THE DANGERS OF GAMBLING AND LOTTO ADDICTION

THE DANGERS OF GAMBLING AND LOTTO ADDICTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 13:11, 1 Timothy 6:9-10

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 28:20, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Isaiah 55:2, Matthew 6:24, Hebrews 13:5

INTRODUCTION:
Gambling and lottery addiction have silently crept into many homes, affecting believers and non-believers alike. What was once seen as a distant vice is now just a click away through mobile betting apps, sports wagering, and online casinos. These platforms promise wealth and excitement, but they often deliver bondage, debt, and disappointment.

God’s Word teaches the value of diligence, contentment, and stewardship—not shortcuts and schemes that exploit greed. The appeal of gambling lies in the promise of instant wealth without labour, but Proverbs warns that wealth hastily gained will dwindle. Behind the glitter of lotto wins is a destructive spirit that fosters laziness, addiction, and idolatry of money.

As children of God, we are called to trust in His provision and reject every form of covetousness and greed. This message exposes the dangers of gambling and guides believers back to a life of godly contentment and financial wisdom.

1. GAMBLING PROMOTES GREED AND DESTROYS CONTENTMENT
Gambling feeds the desire to get rich quickly, which is contrary to biblical values.

a) Ill-Gotten Wealth Diminishes (Proverbs 13:11)
Money gained through chance and not labour does not last.

b) Love of Money Is a Trap (1 Timothy 6:9–10)
The lust for riches leads to destruction and many sorrows.

c) Covetousness Is Idolatry (Colossians 3:5)
Gambling reflects a heart that seeks gain over God.

d) True Contentment Is God’s Will (Hebrews 13:5)
A content heart is not easily swayed by empty promises of wealth.

Biblical Example: Gehazi’s greed for riches brought upon him leprosy and shame (2 Kings 5:20–27).

2. GAMBLING IS A FORM OF FINANCIAL FOOLISHNESS
Instead of being stewards, gamblers squander what God provides.

a) Wealth Without Work Is Unsustainable (Proverbs 20:21)
An inheritance gained too early or wrongly will not be blessed.

b) Gambling Breeds Poverty (Proverbs 21:17)
Addiction to pleasure and luxury leads to want.

c) Lottery Addiction Destroys Families and Finances (Isaiah 55:2)
Money is wasted on that which does not satisfy.

d) The Righteous Earn Through Diligence (Proverbs 10:4)
God blesses the hand of the diligent, not the dice of chance.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son wasted his inheritance on reckless living and ended in hunger (Luke 15:11–16).

3. GAMBLING ENSLAVES AND DIVERTS FROM GOD
Betting leads to bondage—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

a) No One Can Serve Two Masters (Matthew 6:24)
Gambling becomes a rival god to those enslaved by it.

b) It Creates False Hope and Broken Promises (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
The gambler never has enough, always chasing an illusion.

c) It Can Lead to Depression and Despair (Proverbs 15:27)
Greedy gain brings trouble into homes and hearts.

d) God Calls for Freedom, Not Bondage (Galatians 5:1)
The child of God is called to liberty, not to be yoked with gambling.

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot’s love for money and eventual betrayal of Jesus led to regret and death (Matthew 27:3–5).

CONCLUSION:
Gambling, lotto, and betting may look harmless at first, but they carry hidden dangers that destroy lives and destinies. These are tools of the enemy to lure people into a cycle of greed, bondage, and spiritual decline. No child of God should entrust their destiny to chance when they serve the God of certainty and provision.

Choose the path of diligence, contentment, and trust in God. He is more than able to supply all your needs—not by luck, but through grace, wisdom, and faithful labour. Flee from the snare of quick riches and embrace a lifestyle of godly stewardship and obedience.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me and my family from every form of financial bondage.
2. Father, help me to be content and trust You as my provider.
3. I break every stronghold of gambling and addiction in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, make me a faithful steward of every resource You place in my hands.
5. Help me to teach and guide others away from the deception of get-rich-quick schemes.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall not be a slave to gambling or the pursuit of quick riches!
2. God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory!
3. Your hands are blessed for diligent labour and fruitful increase!
4. Every financial hole caused by addiction is closed in Jesus’ name!
5. You and your household shall walk in financial wisdom and freedom!