Is gambling a sin?

[MatthewG]

I think that's true. What do you believe happens to a devout Hindu at death? I'm inclined to believe that "Godly" Hindus meet Jesus, want to follow him, and enter the Kingdom. What do you think?

Who am I to judge anyone who genuinely reaches toward the God who gives life. Whatever happens after death is in the hands of the One who is perfectly just and perfectly merciful. I trust Him to deal rightly with every soul — Hindu, Christian, or anyone else.

 

[Anchorite]

How about putting money into a 401K that invests in the stock market, which is also a form of gambling. Do you consider that to be contrary to the will of God too? Lol!

Time to be schooled. Investing is the allocation of capital into assets (like stocks or real estate) with the expectation of generating positive growth over time, while gambling is a short-term wager on a random, often binary outcome, where the mathematical odds favor the house. Investing is based on analysis of financial factors, whereas gambling is based on chance operations and the idolatry of luck.

 

[Anchorite]

We need to define terms here

View attachment 85872

So by definition, casting lots and investing money is a form of gambling

Wrong. Investing is the allocation of capital into assets (like stocks or real estate) with the expectation of generating positive growth over time, while gambling is a short-term wager on a random, often binary outcome, where the mathematical odds favor the house. Investing is based on analysis of financial factors, whereas gambling is based on chance operations and the idolatry of luck.

 

[Anchorite]

Yeah it's all about the heart. That's all God is ever looking at.

Romans 2

5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds

 

[Anchorite]

I think that's true. What do you believe happens to a devout Hindu at death? I'm inclined to believe that "Godly" Hindus meet Jesus, want to follow him, and enter the Kingdom. What do you think?

Why would they want to follow Jesus when they die, if they did not do it when they were alive?

 

[NotTheRock]

Who am I to judge anyone

I didn't ask you to judge anyone. No worries. I'll put you on ignore and not waste any more of my valuable time.

 

[NotTheRock]

Romans 2

5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds

Yes, Jesus will hideously torture them forever! Torture! Torture! Torture!

 

[NotTheRock]

Why would they want to follow Jesus when they die, if they did not do it when they were alive?

You're right. Jesus will mercilessly torture them!

 

[Armour of God]

Wrong. Investing is the allocation of capital into assets (like stocks or real estate) with the expectation of generating positive growth over time, while gambling is a short-term wager on a random, often binary outcome, where the mathematical odds favor the house. Investing is based on analysis of financial factors, whereas gambling is based on chance operations and the idolatry of luck.

I'm sorry but your wrong.
By definition investing is gambling.



Risking money
Uncertain event
Intent on winning a larger prize
Risk
Chance
Potential reward
The definition is very clear
Investing is gambling

I'm using objective fact in the form of a dictionary definition. It can't be wrong

Your just using your own subjective parameters, most likely to excuse your gambling

 

[Lambano]

Investing is just buying something you hope to sell later at a higher price.

But if you can get quarterly dividends, that's kinda nice.

 

[PeterAndroz]

Investing is just buying something you hope to sell later at a higher price.

But if you can get quarterly dividends, that's kinda nice.

Nice, yes but it's still gambling - a sin, which I have been guilty of and probably will be again.

 

[SavedInHim]

I find it a little dismaying that people are always asking is this or that a sin. To me the question should be what is the Lord's will. Our standard shouldn't be how can we simply avoid sin; that's the very lowest bar; we should grow and be more like Christ. I never read about Him playing cards for money.

 

[PeterAndroz]

I find it a little dismaying that people are always asking is this or that a sin. To me the question should be what is the Lord's will. Our standard shouldn't be how can we simply avoid sin; that's the very lowest bar; we should grow and be more like Christ. I never read about Him playing cards for money.

If we are REQUIRED to sin LESS we need to know what sin is because if we don't then how do we know whether we are sinning or not.

 

[NotTheRock]

Here is a nice summary courtesy of Grok. You're welcome.

**The Bible does not directly mention "gambling"** (a more modern concept), but it provides many clear **principles** that Christians use to evaluate it. Most evangelical scholars and pastors conclude that gambling conflicts with several key biblical values.

### Key Biblical Principles Against Gambling

1. **Love of Money and Greed**
Gambling is often driven by the desire for quick riches and covetousness.
- **1 Timothy 6:10** (NIV): “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
- **Exodus 20:17** (Tenth Commandment): “You shall not covet...”
- **Colossians 3:5**: Greed is equated with idolatry.

2. **Stewardship of Resources**
Everything we have belongs to God; we are only managers. Gambling risks what God has entrusted to us irresponsibly.
- **Psalm 24:1**: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
- Parable of the Talents (**Matthew 25:14-30**): God expects faithful, wise use of what He gives us — not risky “chance.”

3. **Diligence and Hard Work vs. Get-Rich-Quick**
The Bible promotes honest labor and patience.
- **Proverbs 13:11** (NIV): “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
- **Proverbs 10:4**: “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

4. **Contentment and Trust in God**
- **Hebrews 13:5**: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
- **Matthew 6:24**: “No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money.”

5. **Exploitation and Harm to Others**
Gambling often preys on the vulnerable, fuels addiction, debt, and family destruction — contrary to loving our neighbor.

### What About “Casting Lots” in the Bible?
In the Old Testament (and once in Acts 1:26), lots were cast to discern God’s will — **not to bet money**. This is not the same as modern gambling.

### Summary for Christians
While there is no single verse saying “Thou shalt not gamble,” the heart attitudes behind it (greed, reckless risk, trusting “luck” instead of God) go against a life of faith, wisdom, and stewardship. Many believers see it as something that **does not honor God** and can easily lead to addiction and sin.

 

[MatthewG]

I didn't ask you to judge anyone. No worries. I'll put you on ignore and not waste any more of my valuable time.

God does the judging. Something like that.