This article is the 3rd of a 4-part series on this topic. Check out the first 2 articles: “Sports Betting: What’s Going On?” and “Sports Betting: How Big a Deal Is This?“
Let’s be honest: the Bible never addresses sports betting, let alone the World Series, the Big Ten, or the Stanley Cup. The biblical writers had no computers, iPhones, or Smart TVs to assist them, although some say Adam and Eve used an Apple that only had one byte (eye-rolls welcome!).
The closest we come to betting in the Old and New Testaments was the castings of lots (e.g. Leviticus 16:8; Proverbs 16:33; Acts 1:26; etc.) This, however, was more of a practice of providential decision-making than risking one’s assets in hopes of winning it big.
It’s always wise to ask questions and dig into the Scriptures when we run into topics with no crystal-clear biblical answers. The biblical writers could not have envisioned or anticipated the modern realities and cultural practices that are a part of our everyday world.
However, biblical perspective and wisdom principles can be found by posing honest questions and examining key biblical passages that will help us discern what is right.
Here are the top 10 questions to consider in our evaluation of sports betting:
1. Stewardship: Does sports betting demonstrate good stewardship?
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:23, NLT)
This classic parable reminds us that “good and faithful” servants manage their “talents” in a way that pleases the Master. The Bible is clear that all we have belongs to the Lord. All areas of our lives are to be stewarded well and in a way that glorifies God.
See also: Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 4:2, 6:19, 1 Peter 1:18-19
2. Service: Does sports betting demonstrate faithful service and a good work ethic?
Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. (Proverbs 10:4, NLT)
The Bible affirms the importance of hard work— serving the Lord faithfully and diligently wherever He has planted us. Get-rich-quick schemes are inviting but can lead to a poor work ethic and laziness.
See also: Proverbs 12:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Genesis 3:19
3. Suffering: Does sports betting come at the expense and suffering of others?
A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:39, NLT)
The losses from gambling often occur with those who can least afford it. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbour, stand against injustice, and defend the poor, weak and marginalized.
See also: Proverbs 31:8-9; Romans 14:13–15, v.19–21; 1 Corinthians 8:9–13; 10:24; v. 32
4. Satisfaction: Does sports betting demonstrate greed or contentment?
“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NLT).
As believers, we are invited into a life of contentment and joy, free from greed. We are called to be content, no matter the circumstances. That ultimate contentment can be found in Christ alone.
See also: Matthew 5:6; Philippians 4:11–13; 1 Timothy 6:6–10; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
5. Selflessness: Does sports betting demonstrate selflessness, generosity, and giving?
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (2 Corinthians 9:8, NLT)
Generosity should be a mark of the Christian life. It is essential to consider if our actions inhibit our ability to be generous and compassionate in supporting the work of the Lord or sowing into other charitable needs.
See also: Malachi 3:10-12; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 John 1:3-7
6. Security: Does sports betting demonstrate my security and trust in Christ?
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. (Luke 12:31, NLT)
Instead of desiring wealth or material pleasures, Jesus invited His followers to place their confidence in Him and His Kingdom. Our posture should be one of complete trust in the Lord and not “lady luck.”
See also: Psalm 62:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Luke 12:22–34; John 14:1-7
7. Sinfulness: Does sports betting lead to temptation and sin?
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:9–10, NLT)
The Bible warns us about the dangers of giving in to temptations that can lead to sin. We are to “flee the very appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22-23) and pursue “righteousness and a godly life” (1 Timothy 6:11).
See also: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 2:22; James 4:7
8. Self-control: Does sports betting lead toward freedom in Christ or enslavement and addiction?
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12, NLT)
Self-control is one of the evidences (or “fruit”) of the Spirit’s indwelling and outworking in our lives (Galatians 5:23). Our habits or actions, if not surrendered to Christ, can be compulsions leading to enslavement that will harm ourselves and others.
See also: Proverbs 16:32, 25:28; Romans 6:16; 2 Timothy 1:7
9. Surrender: Does sports betting evidence my surrender to the Lordship of Christ?
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
Christ is to be the centre of our existence, with our whole lives surrendered to His Lordship. Anything that places me in control or in charge will get in the way of glorifying God and growing as His disciples.
See also: Matthew 6:31-34; Luke 6:46-49; 2 Corinthians 5:15; James 4:7
10. Sharing: Does sports betting enhance my witness and bring others closer to Jesus?
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16, NLT).
The final consideration is a matter of influence and sharing our faith. If I am being shaped into the image of Christ and pressing into Him, my faith will impact those around me. If I am a mirror image of the world’s values, practices, and allegiances, I may have little to offer to those who are searching for answers and freedom.
See also: Proverbs 14:25; Matthew 5:26; 28:18-20; Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 2:1-25; 3:15
Conclusion
Of course, all of these considerations and principles go beyond sports betting. They apply to just about any “gray areas” of life. The Bible repeatedly commends the pursuit of wisdom in determining our life goals, Kingdom values, and our day-to-day decision-making.
The good news is that we are not on our own to make these decisions. The Spirit Himself will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Seek wisdom in all these matters…it’s so much better than betting.
How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! (Proverbs 16:16. NLT)
Check out the final article in our series: “Sports Betting: How Do I Get Free?“
About
