Answer:

Definitions of sin and gambling

First, let's define "sin". According to the Bible, "sin" is (1) "transgression of Law" (1 John 3:4), (2) "unrighteousness" (1 John 5:17), and (3) "not doing the good that we know about" (James 4:17). How about the first one? "Transgression of Law." Is "gambling" a transgression of specific law? What about the second one? Is it doing what the Bible teaches is right? For example, Jesus said that being baptized was righteousness (baptism was being taught by God's prophet John at that time). Again, is "gambling" not doing good according to the teachings of the Bible? If it is, then it is sin.

Second, let's define "gambling". This word is not used in the various translations of the Bible that I use. So what is the English definition of "gambling"?

gam · ble v. gam ·bled, gam ·bling, gam ·bles. --intr. 1.a. To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest. b. Games. To play a game of chance for stakes. 2. To take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or a benefit. 3. To engage in reckless or hazardous behavior. --tr. 1. Games. To put up as a stake in gambling; wager. 2. To expose to hazard; risk. (The American Heritage Dictionary).

The "gambling" in the question would be defined by #1 a. and #1 b. "Gambling" is (a) to bet on an outcome, or (b) to play a game of chance for stakes. ["Chance" refers to "a raffle or lottery ticket" according to the same dictionary.] The "stakes" would be to risk your money or possessions to others in exchange for the chance to win the money or possessions of others without due compensation to them.

Covetousness in the Bible

Fundamentally, to practice this "gambling" would be to practice "covetousness". "Covet" in the Greek Bible: "epithumeō - From "passion" and "upon"; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise): - covet, desire, would fain, lust (after)."

The English word: "cov ·et ·ous adj. 1. Excessively and culpably desirous of the possessions of another. 2. Marked by extreme desire to acquire or possess." [American Heritage Dictionary]

The Bible condemns this "covetousness". It is one of the original Ten Commandments (#10).

Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

This prohibition is repeated in the New Testament; e.g., Romans 13:9: "For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (KJV).

Are you gambling because you "covet" the other players' money or possessions? Then the Bible says it is a sin.

"Gambling" involves us trying to take someone else's property which he really does not want to give, while at the same time we try and avoid giving him fair compensation in return. Is this not covetousness?

1 Timothy 6: 10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (NKJV)

Hebrews 13 :5 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Ephesians 5: 5-7 - "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them."

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Those who covet will not receive the kingdom of God, but God's wrath abides on them.

Romans 1:29-32 - They are worthy of death, and so are those who approve or encourage their conduct.

1 Corinthians 5:11 - Church members who practice it should be disciplined.

Can One play without covetousness?

One may ask, "I don't care if I win or not; and since I do not 'covet' the other's property (Casino or individual), then is it okay?"

Answer: Why not play the game simply for "fun" then and not for "keeps". I would play marbles for "fun" when a kid. It may have been for moral reasons, or it may have been possessiveness on my part. I seem to remember that I didn't want to lose my marbles. Later, I worked with nursery home people who liked to play bingo for "fun". There were a few however who did not want to play unless there was money or something in the "pot".

Acts 20:33-35 - Paul did not covet other people's property but was willing to work to earn what he needed. So covetousness contrasts with the legitimate means for obtaining the property of others. Clearly gambling fits the definition of covetousness.

2 Corinthians 9:5-7 - If a person is compelled to give property against his will ("grudgingly or of necessity"), instead of cheerfully out of generosity, this is here called "covetousness" (v5 - KJV). A legitimate gift involves willingly choosing to give as a gesture of good will and kindness.

DIMINISHED RETURNS

Ecclesiastes 5 :10 “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”

Proverbs 28:22 “He that hastens to be rich hath an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come upon him.”

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. {set...: Heb. cause thine eyes to fly upon}” (KJV).

So many winners of the lottery have joined the poverty community afterwards that there's an organization to help you keep some of what you win.

Proverbs 13 : 11 “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. {by labour: Heb. with the hand}(KJV)”

Gambling is based on the love of money and tempts the public with the promise of quick and easy riches. A few years ago while the government was requiring anyone on welfare to train for a job, I was teaching a course on "Job Skills". One day I had a lady walk out of the class and shout that she didn't want a job; she was going to win the lottery.