Expert: Phillip Senn - 2/9/2005

Question
Hi there.I would like to ask if I gamble for fun but there's no money involved.Is it still considered abominable to God?What does the Bible says about this??
Thanks

Answer
Angeline,

While there is no Biblical condemnation of gambling, there are some principles involved that could be used as a guide. If, for instance, a person is seeking to have their needs met through hopes of a quick fix of their finances, Scripture indicates that our needs are met of the Lord, not through hopes of a quick fix, but through the labour of our hands (See Eccl. 5:10 & Prov. 13:11).

However, in regards of your question concerning gambling as entertainment, without financial risk, I doubt that could be considered as gambling. However, the risk does exist of finding that you might do well when no money is involved, and the temptation would then be present to use money in hopes of making financial gain. One could then make the argument that had you abstained from the very appearance of evil, there would have been less chance of being tempted in the financial end of the matter (See 1 Thes 5:22-23).

In any case, as 1 Thess. 5:23 says, may "...the God of peace sanctify you wholly...", as this is our prayer.

I hope this has answered your question. Please rate this answer at allexperts.com so that I may know of areas in which I need to improve.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn