Although gambling can be as old as the civilizations and the first religions, it is not always easy to determine if gambling is considered a sin according to a creed. That is why we researched, collected, and summarized all that you need to know about the religious limits when it comes to all forms of gambling.
What Do Religions Have to Say About Gambling?
There is not one universal truth when it comes to whether gambling is a sin. We need to consider each of the religions in the Philippines separately.
| Religion | Is Gambling a Sin? |
|---|---|
| Roman Catholicism | As long as the act of gambling does not interfere with the duty and benevolence of a person, it is not considered a sin for Catholics. |
| Islam | Gambling is considered to be haram in Islam, which means that it is completely forbidden. |
| Protestantism | Despite the different branches of Protestantism, they all agree, with varying intensity, that gambling is wrong and sinful behavior. |
| Indigenous Philippine Folk Religions | As these religions are more related to everyday needs and rituals for blessings, there isn’t a similar concept of sins before God. Therefore, there is nothing against gambling. |
| Buddhism | While recreational gambling would not be a problem, gambling addiction and corruption of one’s path through greed and mourning loss of money are. |
Can Christians Gamble?
Among the religions that have something to say about gambling being a sin, Catholicism is perhaps the most intriguing one. While Protestantism considers it a sin in any case involving money, Catholics have a convention more befitting to that of Buddhism in the sense that all forms of gambling can be explored to some extent.
In short terms, we can summarize that, for Christians who only follow the way of Christ or are Catholics, gambling would be allowed under the right circumstances. Depending on which authority of the Church you would ask, the answer could vary from the allowance of gambling for fun to being avoided at all costs.
Therefore, we can have a better comprehension and appeal less to the guesswork of individuals by taking a look at what The Bible says about gambling and sin.
Is Gambling a Sin in the Bible?
The Bible does not condemn betting or involve the concept of gambling as a sin, but it is not permissive either. One could interpret that the Bible says that one should not gamble.
It is not because gambling is a sin but due to the possible consequences of it. Here are some passages that are often used to refer to gambling:
(Hebrews 13:5)
(Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Also, gambling is a form to earn money by counting with luck on games that pay real money, which is the opposite of working hard as preached by the Bible:
(Proverbs 13:11)
(Corinthians 10:23)
That goes for all the passages in the Bible that can be used to make a connection with what gambling is. In summary, as long as one has complete control and good judgment, gambling can be used for fun.
Next, let’s conclude the stream of thought identifying when gambling is not a sin, at least according to the religions that do not ban it in its entirety – such as Islam.
When Gambling Isn't a Sin?
In the sphere of religions that could be considered more permissive towards gambling, it can be a perfectly acceptable behavior if used with parsimony. Gathering with friends to have some fun, playing on online casinos just to enjoy the games, and simply taking it lightly as a hobby to entertain yourself sometimes is possible.
As long as it does not start to interfere in your life or that of others in any way, be it financially, socially, or in terms of health, it is not a sin. Gambling has to take a small part in your days. To remain an innocent activity, follow the gambling laws, fight any love for money, and do not make gambling an attempt to prosper because that should come from work and following your duty as a good person.
FAQs
In Christianity, the Bible has nothing specific about gambling per se, only bad behaviors that can result from it. In Islam, gambling is haram and finds no relief.
Donation and helping others are always in accordance with the principles of religion. Therefore, when it is done by heart, that is a welcome action. However, the donation should not be seen as a way to relieve any possible sins.
