Is it a sin to gamble?

Question

I would like anyone to answer this but especially Christians.

Answer 1

The Bible seems to have a lot of gambling in it.  God was always telling people to cast lots to decide things which is the old time version of a raffle, which is clearly gambling.

Then let's not forget the story of Job.  God enters a wager with Satan and then allows Satan to torture Job and kill members of his family.  Eventually after God wins the bet, Job is rewarded with a new better looking wife and family.  Seems like he still got a raw deal, but there you go.

Here are the Bible quotes that would appear to condone gambling:

Numbers 26:52-56

    And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying ... the land shall be divided by lot.

Joshua 14:2

    By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Joshua 18:6

    Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

Joshua 19:51

    These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD.

Joshua 21:8

    And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

1 Chronicles 26:13-14

    And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate. And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

Nehemiah 10:34

    And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God.

Acts 1:23-26

    And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.... And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Answer 2

Yes, in any religion it is.

Answer 3

I think that some things are a sin no matter what and other things if done in excess are a sin.  I think that doing something that hurts you or your family could also be a sin.  Gamble falls into the last two types.  Murder or stealing would fall into all three types.

Answer 4

Stupid? Yes. Sinful? No.

Answer 5

Sinful NO, Addictive YES. Some Churches

have BINGO Night, isn't that gambling ??

Answer 6

Isn't anything enjoyable a sin?

Answer 7

...and let's not forget church bingo night!

Answer 8

It's only sinful when you lose!

Answer 9

No, I don't think so, as long as it's done in moderation, and you don't gamble more than you can afford to lose.

I know an awful lot of church-going people who pay a visit to a casino now and then, buy lottery tickets, and put a few bucks on the Super Bowl. And, like the others said, church bingo games have been popular for years.

Answer 10

I think it is a sin to gamble.  I was raised a Christian and my mom is a devout Christian.  She used to tell me often that I shouldn't gamble, but I still do.  Yikes, I feel all guilty now...

Answer 11

don't worry about sins, you have 1 life that's it, live it to the fullest and best you can think of, but if u choose to gamble, dont over do it, or you may become addicted. thats when the trouble comes in.