What Does the Bible Say About Gambling?
This is an independent, informational guide for UK readers and is not affiliated with the organisations mentioned. It is provided for general information only.
The Bible doesn't mention gambling directly, and there's no verse that forbids it. Instead, Christians apply broader principles — warnings about the love of money, chasing quick wealth, and the call to wise stewardship — which is why views on gambling differ.
No explicit verse
The Bible does not directly mention gambling, betting or the lottery, and there is no verse that says "do not gamble". Games of chance existed in biblical times, but they aren't named or specifically forbidden.
Because of that, Christians look instead to broader principles about money and the heart.
The themes people cite
The most commonly cited passage is 1 Timothy 6:10, on the love of money being a root of evil, alongside warnings against chasing quick wealth, such as Proverbs 13:11. Themes of stewardship, contentment and honest work are also raised.
From these, many conclude that gambling becomes a problem when it is driven by greed, risks money you can't afford, or relies on luck over responsibility.
Where views differ
There is no single Christian position. Some treat a small, affordable flutter as a matter of conscience, while others discourage gambling altogether on the grounds of stewardship and the harm it can cause.
The emphasis is usually less on the act itself and more on the motives and consequences behind it.
A matter of conscience
For many Christians the question comes down to motive and proportion: a small, affordable flutter is viewed very differently from gambling driven by greed or causing harm.
This page sets out the common themes for general information; it isn't religious guidance, and individual questions are best discussed within your own faith community.
Because there's no single verse or settled view, this is ultimately a question Christians weigh for themselves, guided by the principles above and their own conscience and community. What most agree on is the caution against letting money — or the hope of easy money — take a place it shouldn't.
Does the Bible ban gambling?
No — there is no explicit verse. Christians instead apply broader principles about money, greed and stewardship.
Which Bible verses are linked to gambling?
Most often 1 Timothy 6:10 on the love of money, plus get-rich-quick warnings such as Proverbs 13:11.
Do all Christians agree about gambling?
No — views range from treating a small flutter as a personal choice to discouraging gambling entirely.
Is a small flutter considered acceptable for Christians?
Views differ — some treat an affordable flutter as a personal choice, while others discourage gambling entirely.
Related guides: Is gambling a sin?, Is gambling haram?, Responsible gambling
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. If you are worried about your gambling, or affected by someone else's, free and confidential help is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, from BeGambleAware.org, and through the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP. You must be 18 or over to gamble.