There are some questions Christians ask quietly. This is one of them.
What does the Bible say about gambling and lottery KJV? Is it clearly a sin? Or is it simply a personal choice?
You may have wondered this yourself. Maybe you’ve bought a lottery ticket. Maybe someone in your family struggles with gambling. Or maybe you just want to be sure your heart is right before God.
Let’s open the Scriptures together and walk through this gently.
First, something important. The words “gambling” and “lottery” do not appear directly in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. But that does not mean the Bible is silent. Scripture often teaches us through principles, not just specific terms.
And when we look at those principles carefully, we begin to see a clear pattern.
What Does The Bible Say About Gambling?
The Bible speaks often about money, the heart, and the dangers of loving wealth too much.
One of the clearest verses is:
“For the love of money is the root of all evil…” — 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)
Notice what it says. Not money itself. The love of money.
Gambling is built on the hope of gaining money quickly. It is the desire to receive something for little effort. That longing for fast profit can easily stir greed, envy, and unhealthy obsession.
The book of Proverbs gives us wisdom here:
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11 (KJV)
“Vanity” here speaks of empty or quick gain. The Bible consistently praises honest work, patience, and steady effort. It warns against shortcuts.
Gambling is, at its core, a shortcut. It says, “Maybe I can win big without the long road of work and faithfulness.”
That mindset can slowly shift our trust from God’s provision to chance.
And that is where the real issue begins.
Does The Bible Mention Lottery In The KJV?
Some people point out that the Bible speaks about “casting lots.” That is true.
In the Old Testament and New Testament, casting lots was sometimes used to make decisions. For example:
- The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ garments (John 19:24).
- The apostles cast lots to choose Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:26).
But casting lots in Scripture was not gambling for personal wealth. It was a way of seeking God’s direction in certain situations.
Proverbs 16:33 says:
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” (KJV)
In biblical times, this was more like drawing straws for a decision, not buying tickets hoping to get rich.
Modern lottery systems are very different. They are designed for profit. They are built on financial risk. And they are often funded by those who can least afford to lose.
So while the Bible mentions lots, it does not promote lotteries as we know them today.
Is Gambling a Sin, Yes or No?
This is the question many want answered clearly.
The Bible does not say in one direct sentence, “Thou shalt not gamble.” But it does give strong guidance through its teachings on:
- Greed
- Stewardship
- Contentment
- Trust in God
- Care for others
Let’s think about stewardship.
Everything we have belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 reminds us:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof…”
We are stewards, not owners. When we gamble, we risk money that God has entrusted to us. Sometimes it may seem small. But sometimes it grows into larger risks.
Then there is contentment.
Hebrews 13:5 says:
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have…”
Gambling often feeds covetousness. It whispers, “You need more. You deserve more. One more ticket.”
Now let me speak gently. Not every person who buys a lottery ticket is filled with greed. Some see it as harmless fun. But even small habits can shape the heart.
And the heart matters deeply to God.
If gambling begins to:
- Control your thoughts
- Cause financial strain
- Lead to deception
- Replace trust in God
Then it has moved into sinful territory.
The question is not only “Is gambling a sin?” but “What is it doing to my heart?”
What Did Billy Graham Say About Gambling?
The respected evangelist Billy Graham spoke clearly about gambling. He often taught that gambling reflects misplaced trust.
He believed gambling promotes:
- The desire for something for nothing
- A lack of responsibility
- Harm to families and society
Billy Graham warned that gambling weakens moral character and encourages dependence on chance instead of dependence on God.
His concern was not merely about money. It was about the soul.
And that echoes Scripture.
Jeremiah 17:7 says:
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord…”
When we look to luck or chance to solve our problems, we subtly move our trust.
Faith says, “God will provide.”
Gambling says, “Maybe this ticket will.”
There is a difference.
The Heart Behind the Habit
Why do people gamble?
Sometimes it is boredom.
Sometimes it is hope.
Sometimes it is desperation.
I have spoken with people who began gambling because they were struggling financially. They thought one big win would fix everything.
But Scripture teaches something deeper.
True security does not come from sudden wealth. It comes from God.
Jesus said:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
Gambling reveals where we are placing our hope.
Are we looking to God as our provider? Or are we quietly hoping for luck?
That is a tender question. But it is an important one.
What Does The Bible Say About Loving Money
The Bible is very clear about the danger of loving money.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 says:
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver…”
Gambling thrives on dissatisfaction. It feeds the idea that what we have is not enough.
But Scripture calls us to contentment.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV)
Notice that. Great gain.
Not lottery gain. Not jackpot gain.
Godliness with contentment.
That is true wealth.
What Does The Bible Say About Temptation and Self-Control
Gambling can also become addictive. It can move from occasional risk to controlling behavior.
1 Corinthians 10:13 gives hope:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful…”
Temptation itself is not sin. But giving in repeatedly without seeking God’s help can lead us down difficult paths.
If someone reading this struggles with gambling, hear this clearly: there is grace. There is forgiveness. There is freedom in Christ.
Shame does not heal. God’s mercy does.
A Word About Witness
Christians are also called to consider their witness.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 says:
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Gambling establishments are often linked with addiction, broken homes, and financial ruin. Even if someone feels free personally, they must ask:
Will this strengthen my testimony?
Will it encourage others toward wise living?
Love sometimes chooses restraint for the sake of others.
What This Teaches Us About Trusting God With Money
So, what does the Bible say about gambling and lottery KJV?
It does not give a single direct command. But it gives strong principles:
- Do not love money.
- Be content.
- Work honestly.
- Trust God.
- Be a faithful steward.
- Avoid greed and covetousness.
When you line those up beside gambling and lottery practices, the direction becomes clearer.
God invites us to live by faith, not by chance.
He promises provision, though not always abundance. He promises care, though not instant wealth.
If you are uncertain, pray. Ask the Lord to search your heart. Ask Him to show you if anything is pulling your trust away from Him.
James 1:5 says:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…”
He gives wisdom freely.
And let me leave you with this gentle reminder.
Your future is not in a ticket.
Your hope is not in a jackpot.
Your security is not in luck.
Your life rests safely in the hands of a faithful God.
If you would like to go deeper, you may also reflect on what the Bible says about money, contentment, and trusting God in daily life. These truths strengthen the heart far more than any prize ever could.
May the Lord guide your steps with peace and wisdom.
