Thread: Is gambling a sin?

Originally Posted by Lista

I've debated internally a lot about whether buying lottery tickets is a sin or not. It's not a sin for me in the sense that if I buy a ticket I only buy 1, and I'm not taking anything away from my family. Where I DO feel it might be a sin is contributing to a system that creates and fosters gambling addictions. I was hoping NC would never allow the lottery, so it would always be a moot point for me, but now I'm going to have to work through all this in a more real way for myself.

I believe it is a heart faith issue..if the heart is not greedy and the faith is not misplaced conviction won't come..but if one is convicted...leave it alone for sure.

I buy maybe 4 a year...

Well, personally speaking, I don't feel that the government should be promoting gambling. Gambling can be addictive, and it can destroy lives. That's why gambling is generally illegal. (Although with the rise of casinos, that's changing.)

I do not commit the sin of gambling. If God wants me to be a multi millionaire, He has many ways to bless me with it. However, just to serve the Lord makes me rich. Who needs the lottery?!

Originally Posted by Nikos

I do not commit the sin of gambling. If God wants me to be a multi millionaire, He has many ways to bless me with it. However, just to serve the Lord makes me rich. Who needs the lottery?!

Why do you think gambling in and of itself is a sin?

Its in the word itself, placing oneself at risk and at the mercy of lady fortune. Gambling is not a calculated risk like a business venture may be. If there is no real risk because the amount is small and there is no addiction or danger of addiction then it is just a passtime.

Proverbs states "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).

26 Then they drew lots (other translations have 'cast lots') to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias . . . (Acts 1:26)

While this is not 'gambling for money' we know the same process was used for a decision on who would get Jesus' robe.

Seems one can cast lots in faith trusting God's decision...

Gambling is fueled by—and it fuels—covetousness, greed, and materialism. It is associated with crime, vice and corruption, so that wherever gambling exists, crime rates rise. And it is contrary to the biblical work ethic, because it is an attempt to gain wealth without working for it.

Originally Posted by Quest

Proverbs states "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).

26 Then they drew lots (other translations have 'cast lots') to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias . . . (Acts 1:26)

While this is not 'gambling for money' we know the same process was used for a decision on who would get Jesus' robe.

Seems one can cast lots in faith trusting God's decision...

I am not saying buying a lottery is necessarily sin but the above is anti-Berean if I ever saw an explanation....good try :curtsey:

If you want to buy a lottery then do it according to your conscience between you and God.....but spinning verses is a no no


BTW....where you being lead by the Holy Spirit to buy lottery tickets since that is what you say we should all do

It seems the soldiers were led to cast lots for Jesus' robe and God told them which one should have it - I think not.