What Does the Bible Say About Gambling?
Biblical principles about gambling, chance, and financial stewardship.
What does the Bible say about gambling? Explore KJV scriptures about luck, stewardship, contentment, and the dangers of greed.
"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." — 1 Timothy 6:9 (KJV)
While the Bible doesn't mention gambling by name, it provides clear principles about money, greed, contentment, and stewardship that directly apply to gambling. Scripture warns against get-rich-quick schemes, the love of money, and placing trust in chance rather than God.
Key Scriptures About Gambling
1 Timothy 6:9
"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."Read in context
Proverbs 13:11
"Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."Read in context
Proverbs 28:20
"A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."Read in context
Hebrews 13:5
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."Read in context
Luke 12:15
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."Read in context
Proverbs 23:5
"Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."Read in context
A Prayer About Gambling
Lord, help me to find my contentment in You alone, not in the pursuit of wealth or the thrill of chance. Teach me to be a faithful steward of what You have given me and to trust in Your provision rather than luck. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gambling
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on gambling.
Is gambling a sin?
The Bible doesn't specifically mention gambling, but its principles strongly caution against it. Proverbs 13:11 warns that 'wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished.' 1 Timothy 6:9 warns about the desire to get rich. Gambling feeds on greed, exploits the poor, and relies on chance rather than faithful stewardship.
What about playing the lottery?
The lottery is a form of gambling, and the same biblical principles apply. Proverbs 28:20 warns that 'he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.' While buying a ticket may seem harmless, it can foster a mindset of greed and reliance on luck rather than God's provision and honest labor.
What is the main Bible verse about gambling?
1 Timothy 6:9 is one of the clearest scriptures on gambling: "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about gambling?
Where does the Bible first mention gambling?
Is gambling a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about gambling? Explore KJV scriptures about luck, stewardship, contentment, and the dangers of greed. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Gambling
Specific questions Christians ask about gambling — each answered with KJV scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Gambling?
The Bible doesn't mention gambling directly, but its principles about stewardship, contentment, and the love of money strongly caution against it.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Biblical stewardship means faithfully managing everything God has entrusted to us—time, talents, money, and resources—for His glory.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Biblical stewardship teaches that everything belongs to God and believers are entrusted to manage their time, talents, money, and resources faithfully.
Read answerHow to Handle Money Biblically?
Biblical money management treats every dollar as God's, prioritises generosity and saving, avoids debt and greed, and uses wealth to serve God and others rather than self.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Everything belongs to God, and believers are stewards entrusted with managing His resources — time, money, talents, and the earth itself.
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Read answerWhat Is the Book of Proverbs About?
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