Life and Relationships

Is participating in gambling or games of chance considered a sin?

The Bible never mentions gambling by name, but its consistent principles — trusting God's providence rather than chance, working honestly for what you have, contentment, and guarding against the love of money — all caution strongly against it.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Scripture repeatedly warns that the love of money is a root of many kinds of evil, and that those eager to get rich fall into temptation and harmful desires. Gambling relies on chance and the hope of gaining at another person's loss rather than honest labor, and Proverbs observes that wealth gained quickly and carelessly tends to dwindle away. Ecclesiastes notes that those who love money are never satisfied by it, describing a restless cycle gambling often feeds. Instead, Scripture calls believers to trust God's provision, work diligently and honestly for their needs, hold money loosely with contentment, and avoid practices that stir greed or exploit others' losses for personal gain.

In brief

Scripture repeatedly warns that the love of money is a root of many kinds of evil, and that those eager to get rich fall into temptation and harmful desires.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.