Biblical Perspectives on the Risks of Modern Gambling

In a recent devotional, author Chuck Bentley addresses the growing trend of sports betting, arguing that it contradicts biblical principles of stewardship. He contends that money should be viewed as God’s provision for saving, investing, and providing for one's family, rather than a resource to be wagered for potential gain. Bentley warns that the normalization of mobile sports betting poses a significant threat to the financial stability of various generations, from Gen Z to retirees.

To illustrate the scale of this issue, the author cites financial data showing that legal sportsbooks in the United States saw revenue grow from $430 million in 2018 to $17 billion in 2025. He highlights reports indicating that Americans legally wagered approximately $166 billion on sports in recent years. Drawing on these trends, the author encourages believers to reject gambling as a financial strategy, cautioning that what may appear to be harmless entertainment often leads to increased debt, financial delinquency, and the neglect of long-term fiscal responsibilities.