In recent weeks, we have been carefully studying gambling to gain a deeper understanding of why it is considered sinful. While one person may win a large sum, it comes at the expense of another’s loss. Despite claims from city officials and other influential figures that casinos will benefit a community, statistics consistently show the opposite. The fruit test (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV) reveals that gambling causes more harm than good. At its core, gambling is driven by covetousness and greed, and it can become highly addictive.
Another important principle to consider when discussing gambling is stewardship. In Genesis 1:28, God instructed man and woman to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth.” While we often refer to humanity as the crown of God’s creation, entrusted with dominion over all things, we must never forget that we ultimately belong to Him. We are stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us.
Good stewardship involves using our resources such as time, talents, and finances, responsibly. In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), the master gives three servants a portion of “talents” (currency) and leaves with the expectation that they will invest and increase what he has entrusted to them. Two of the servants did so, but one did not. The servant who failed in stewardship was called a “wicked and lazy servant” (Matt. 25:26). While we often emphasize that this parable teaches us to use our abilities in service to God, it is also a reminder that we are called to be good stewards of all our blessings, including our financial resources.
In a blog by Jane Shaw, Senior Editor at Casino.Us, her research reveals that in 2021, the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip alone earned over $7 billion from gamblers. In 2022, sports bets contributed an additional $1 billion in profits for Vegas bookmakers. Despite these staggering figures, Las Vegas continues to be one of the top tourist destinations worldwide, drawing more than 38 million visitors in 2022, with an average daily room rate of $170. When we think about the money lost each day in Sin City, one can’t help but wonder how much work for the kingdom could be accomplished with those funds. But also, how many lives are affected negatively because of poor stewardship.
By: Jerrod Hammond