Why Do People Love Gambling?
A Desire to Understand the Hype
Did you know National Lottery Day exists in America? I’m not surprised since we Americans will find any reason to celebrate.
While I enjoy the celebratory culture of this nation, I do not understand why people love gambling.
What is all the hype about? Why do gamblers spend their hard-earned money and time going to the casino, placing bets, and buying lottery tickets?
Though puzzled by the craze, part of me wants to participate in the fun. However, bad experiences with gambling as a teenager made me cautious.
But beyond personal experiences, I want to know whether Christians should participate in or avoid this activity at all costs.
Acquiring knowledge about gambling means defining the term, highlighting the origins of National Lottery Day, and the games participants play. I will analyze its rewards and risks, and consult scripture to help Christians understand gambling from a biblical perspective.
National Lottery Day
Defining Gambling, Highlighting Its Games
Experts define gambling as “betting on an event with an uncertain outcome.” Gamblers hope the uncertain outcome is favorable, as they use money or something valuable to acquire more earnings.
These earnings are gained by placing bets, which allows contestants to wager money once or several times during a single game.
Gamblers can play an endless number of games that are tailored to their style and preference. Contestants looking for a quick game can buy lottery tickets, scrnatch-offs, or play the numbers.
Those who love going to the casino can play games like
- Baccarat
- Black Jack.
- Craps.
- EZ Baccarat.
- Roulette.
- Sic Bo.
- Slots.
- Spanish 21.
- Various types of poker games.
Those who don’t like casino games can go to a sportsbook and place bets on their favorite players and teams. They can do this by wagering on styles like
- Futures/Outrights.
- Game Props.
- In-Play/Live.
- Moneyline.
- Parlays.
- Player Props.
- Spread/Handicap.
- Teasers.
- Three-Way.
- Totals.
Individuals who want to gamble without leaving the comfort of their homes can participate in virtual gambling. And of course, old-school, traditional gamblers can still place wagers on horse races.
The History Behind National Lottery Day
Traditional betting activities like horse racing and the lottery make me wonder how gambling has become the craze it is today.
This year, National Lottery Day occurs on July 17, 2025. The day became official in 2018 and is designed to offer gamblers discounts and attract newcomers to the activity.
The word lottery derives from the Dutch term lot, meaning destiny or fate.
Historians claim lottery systems have existed since ancient times, with the earliest records traced back to the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty used the lottery to fund government projects like the Great Wall of China.
Similarly, Europe began using lottery systems in the 15th Century to draw lots for prizes. Revenue from these drawings funded wars and public works.
In 1612, King James 1 used the lottery to establish the first British settlement in North America in Jamestown, Virginia. Like Europe, George Washington, John Hancock, and the American Revolution leaders used lotteries to finance projects and war needs.
Additionally, gambling revenue helped rebuild the southern states after the Civil War.
Despite financial gains being used for the public good, lotteries and gambling didn’t come without controversy. Unfairness, morality concerns, and scandals caused lotteries to be outlawed in America during the late 19th Century.
However, during the 20th Century, Nevada legalized casino gambling, and America’s attitude toward lotteries shifted. This shift also introduced America to charitable gambling, which funds numerous causes.
The Washington Commanders and D.C. United uses the 50/50 Raffle to support its charitable foundations.
What You Should Know?
Potential Rewards
Along with corporate benefits like supporting charitable efforts, people gamble for the chance to win large cash prizes. The odds of purchasing the winning lottery ticket are one in 292.2 million.
Likewise, the odds of winning at the
- Casino (1 in 5,000 to 1 in 34 million).
- Racetrack ($10 million for the winner of the Saudi Cup).
- Sportsbook (a contestant must win 52.4% of their bets to make a profit).
Despite these odds, participants test their luck because of the allure of becoming rich. They believe it’s possible because past participants have won earnings as large as $1.59 billion playing the lottery.
Additionally, Mattress Mack won the largest sports bet ($72.66 million) when the Houston Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series.
The largest horse race bet was won by Conor Murphy, who bet £50 on five horses and won £1.2 million. When converted to American currency, Murphy bet $68.72 and won $1,649,388.00.
Risks and Consequences
While these rewards are enticing, gambling does come with risks and consequences.
Socially, gambling can potentially cause friction between friends and family members. House of Payne exposes this truth comedically as Curtis and C.J. get into a heated argument with friends.
Their friends accuse them of cheating at poker and trying to take their money. Ironically, this happens as C.J.’s son Malik is lobbying to make gambling legal in Georgia.
While C.J. and his friends’ disagreement is fictional, gambling can destroy family relationships. Experts say that 38.2% of participants have a gambling addiction. Financially, this addiction plagues families with asset loss, debt, stress, and unpaid bills.
Unpaid bills and stress can lead to medical conditions and mental health challenges like
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Headaches.
- Hypertension.
- Sleep problems.
Sadly, the problems gambling causes can also ruin marriages, as 39.5% of gamblers experience divorce.
Along with divorce, gambling addictions can lead to bankruptcy (23 million go into debt) and suicide (⅙ of people attempt).
Thankfully, there are warning signs that allow discerning eyes to see if their friend or loved one has an addiction.
Signs include
- Decrease in work performance.
- Social isolation.
- Sudden mood swings and temper.
- Talks about committing a crime to pacify their habit.
- Unable to willingly stop.
Gambling from a Biblical Perspective
The Bible’s Take on National Lottery Day
Indicators like an unwillingness to stop gambling are why the Bible doesn’t support National Lottery Day.
Romans 6:1-14 shows believers are dead to sin and shouldn’t allow transgressions to rule over them. Galatians 5:23 also encourages believers to walk in the Spirit by exercising self-control.
Along with self-control, Paul also warns believers that those who are greedy won’t inherit the Kingdom of God. He calls the greedy idolaters who worship the things of this world.
Gamblers commit idolatry by worshipping money, using their time and income to obtain more, thinking it will lead to prosperity.
Those who practice idolatry break the fourth commandment by placing the potential for wealth over God. Additionally, obsessing over riches shows a lack of faith by doubting God’s ability to supply our needs.
Doubting God’s ability to supply our needs causes people to misuse their finances by gambling. The Christian Institute argues that gambling also breaks the eighth commandment and is financial robbery by mutual agreement.
Proverbs 28:19 agrees with this, as Solomon says chasing fantasies leads to poverty.
In addition to causing poverty, gambling also leads to discontentment and evil due to a love of money. This love of money led to the eternal downfall of people like Ananias, Sapphira, Judas, and two rich men.
Sadly, Ananias, Sapphira, and Judas validate 1 Timothy 6:9-10 as their greed causes them to stray from the faith.
National Lottery Day: Hope and Help
I encourage those in the faith who find gambling enticing to read Psalm 73 on National Lottery Day.
Here, Asaph expresses his frustration about how the wicked are prospering financially. He also admits his foot almost slips, meaning he is close to losing faith because of the wickedness around him.
Thankfully, verse seventeen shows him getting into the Lord’s presence and receiving a revelation about the fate of the wicked. Additionally, he confesses his foolish thinking while acknowledging God as his strength and portion forever.
Asaph’s experience reminds me to trust God as the supplier of my needs and not be enticed by ill-gotten riches. I pray Psalm 73 does the same for you.
For addicts enticed by the potential riches that gambling promotes, I urge you to seek counseling. You can contact the National Gambling Hotline (1-800-522-4700) for assistance.
I also encourage you to remain faithful in the fight to overcome your addiction. You may feel urges, and relapses may happen, but continue striving for victory in the battle.
However, true victory only comes from finding forgiveness, salvation, reconciliation, and freedom in Jesus Christ. Surrender to Christ today, and let him transform your life into all God wants you to become.
Thank you for reading this article. Feel free to leave a comment; your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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