Cover of Holy Bible: 10th Anniversary Edition
The Bible does not derogate gambling as a sin. It does not mention any adverse statements about lottery or betting as well. However, the Bible cautions. The Bible has always warned people from running behind money. Because, running behind money will only bring disappointment. And with it misery.
The Bible also encourages people to get rich slowly and steadily, using ethical way. Getting rich quickly is discouraged. Which means the Bible actually asks people to stay away from gambling, as it tempts people to get rich in quick time.
Now for the big question. Is gambling wrong? The issue of gambling being right or wrong is subjective. Gambling is in essence a waste of hard-earned money. You are giving yourself a chance to get rich. But at the same time you are also giving yourself a chance to lose money. You might say that to gain something, you have to lose something. But what if you lose everything?
Gambling is a worthless activity. It might help you win, but can never give you the feeling of success. It is as useless as spending money on a tasteless expensive meal that you ate because others did. Even if you get lucky, every day may not be a Sunday. There is no gambler is the world who has had a successful run on all days.
First Timothy 6:10 mentions that running behind money is running behind unhappiness. Even if you get it, you will realize that it was not worth the pursuit. So you end up running behind more money thinking that more money will give happiness. Suggested reads are Hebrews 13:5, and Mathews 6:24.
