The odds are always stacked so the organisers (TAB, casino, club etc.) make money. Gambling providers are not in it for fun.

Our possessions are not our own to squander, but are given to us by God manage as faithful stewards (see Matt 25:14-30 Prov 22:16).

Gambling is also contrary to a biblical work ethic that we should not gain wealth without working for it, especially not by taking it from others (see Eph 4:28 2 Thess 3:7-10).

Certainly the essential foundation of the industry is greed and materialism.

This is forbidden in the 10 th Command (see Exod 20:17 Col 3:5). It is fueled by covetousness: wanting what belongs to another. Gambling is inconsistent with biblical virtue.Yet here are some biblical reasons to see gambling as a sin. But neither is there any verse that forbids arson or graffiti. Of course, there is no one Bible verse against gambling. Rather existing wealth changes hands, and one person’s gain always comes from another’s loss. In gambling no new wealth is created (unlike farming). But any gain the farmer makes is not financed by the loss of others. Yes, a calculated risk is taken that the crop will not be ruined by drought or flood etc. To make the distinction clear, a lucky door prize is not gambling if no fee is charged for entry to the contest, since the winner’s prize is not financed by the loss of other contestants. A stake is a prize one person stands to gain through the loss of others. However my question today is far broader: Is gambling a sin? Here is a careful definition from Phil Johnson: To gamble is to wager on a contest or to play at a game of chance for stakes. They are about reducing risk in a potentially dangerous activity. compulsory pre-commitment) could be compared to installing seat belts in cars and enforcing speed limits. Friends, you may know I’ve taken a lead in encouraging support in Anglican circles for parliamentary moves to reduce the harm from problem gambling on the pokies.

Bible says gambling is a sin