Strictly defined gambling is the act or practice of betting. It is “the act of playing a game and consciously risking money or other stakes on its outcome.” Some say that all of life is a gamble and everything we do involves risk and is no different from casino gambling or wagering in any form. Gambling, however, involves the creation of unnecessary risks. In life we make judgments consistent with the natural laws relating to the various parts of life. In gambling one risks everything on blind luck, the scratch of a card, a roll of the dice, a spin of the wheel, or a flip of a coin. The farmer does not gamble when he invests his time, money and assets to plant his yearly crop (cf. James 5:7). The factory owner does not gamble when he designs a new style of product for the market he serves (James 4:14-17). One who invests in stocks does not take inordinate chances with his resources when he invests in legitimate enterprises (cf. Matthew 25:14-30). Gambling is trying to get something for nothing—without rendering a service, exchanging goods or providing any other remuneration for the benefit received.

“Not slothful in business...distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality...Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men...Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” - Romans 12:11,13,17,21