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Can a Christian buy a lottery ticket?
My friend stopped at a convenience store in the mall to buy a lottery ticket. She turned to me and asked, “Would you like one too?” I declined. Not because I wouldn’t want to win the 40 million dollar jackpot. But rather because, as a Christian, I don’t believe I should gamble.
When asked why I didn’t want a ticket I responded that the Bible directs believers not to gamble. But I couldn’t give further explanation. I believed it stated somewhere in the Old Testament (probably Leviticus) not to gamble.
Not wanting to leave it there, I decided to do a little Bible study. However, I could not find a scripture quote that specifically said we should not gamble.
That said, the Bible does say a lot about finances. For example, the often-quoted saying, “The love of money is the root of all evil” comes from the Bible.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV)
The Bible also warns against get-rich schemes.
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. (Proverbs 13:11 NIV)
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5 NIV)
The Bible reminds us that our money is from God and we need to steward it wisely.
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops. (Proverbs 3:9–10 NIV)
The Bible also states that God will take care of our needs.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)
I personally follow two financial gurus who offer great advice on biblical money management: Tom Copland (Canadian) and Dave Ramsey (American).
Tom shares that buying lottery tickets to “imagine the freedom” is opposite to God’s plan for financial serenity.
Dave explains that my chances of winning the lottery are bleak, at best. There are much better ways (like investing) to find financial peace.
So why gamble?
It’s fun? It’s exciting? It’s a way to socialize? It’s a way to escape? Yes, to all.
But is it good for me?
Not really. Four reasons come to mind:
- I have a very addictive personality and could fall into the lure and rush of gambling.
- Gambling could easily become an idol, something I think about (and dream about) more than God.
- It could lead to debt. Instead of investing and paying off my credit cards, I could spend it on games of chance.
- I could use that money in better ways to help others.
So although gambling is not one of the “thou shalt nots” in the 10 commandments, it’s my personal conviction to stick to the wise advice of the Bible and steward my money for other things that glorify God.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. (1 Corinthians 10:22–24 NIV)
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