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What does the Bible say about gambling?

Archaeological and historical evidence shows that dice playing and other forms of gambling were practiced in Biblical times. The only mention of gambling in the Bible, however, is when Roman soldiers cast lots to see who would get Jesus' clothing after He was crucified (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, John 19:24).

Casting lots was not primarily a gambling method, but a way of making a decision, similar to drawing straws (Leviticus 16:8, Numbers 34:13, Jonah 1:7, Acts 1:23-26). It was often assumed that God would make His will known in the outcome. The "lots" mentioned in the Bible may have been a form of dice, but that is not certain.

The Bible does not give any direct guidance on whether gambling is right or wrong. According to the Bible, however, some of the motivations and actions that may accompany modern gambling are sins:

• Greed, obsession with money (Mark 7:20-23, 1 Timothy 6:10)

• Exploitation of people (Leviticus 25:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 4:5-6)

• Not providing for one's family (1 Timothy 5:8)

• Bad habits, compulsions (John 8:34, Romans 6:16-18)

• A life of dissipation (1 Peter 4:1-4)

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