The Bible does not appear to declare directly that gambling is a sin. The closest direct reference is in Ephesians 4:14-15, where Paul writes, "That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ" (KJV).

The word sleight is kubeia, which means dice playing. It is often used to refer to deceit, which was associated with dice players, who cheated their fellow players. In this case, the individual is gambling with his or her beliefs. As Barnes New Testament Notes on this passage states it, "It seems rather to denote a man's forming his religious opinions by the throw of a die; or, in other words, it describes a man whose opinions seem to be the result of mere chance."

This does not appear to forbid gambling, but rather likens the negative aspect of it with wavering in the faith. So why have many conservative Christians determined that gambling is a sin?

Charles Hodge spoke against gambling. He claimed that it was a sin equivalent to the eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal." In his Systematic Theology, Volume 3, he wrote, "Gambling falls under the same category where advantage is taken of the unwary or unskilful, to deprive them of their property without compensation."

In The Limits of Liberty, Alexander MacLaren writes, "‘What harm is there in betting a shilling? I can well afford to lose it, and I can keep myself from the feverish wish to risk more.’ Yes, and you are thereby helping to hold up that gambling habit which is ruining thousands." No matter what liberty you feel you have in Christ, MacLaren argues that it is wrong because to gamble is to support of the gambling industry, which destroys many people.

External References

• Systematic Theology, Volume 3, Charles Hodge
• Barnes New Testament Notes, Ephesians 4:14
• The Limits of Liberty, Alexander MacLaren