Preach to those who are addicted to gambling and online gambling so that they repent immediately!
What is gambling?
Gambling is a game where players bet to choose one option among several options, and only one option is correct and becomes the winner. The losing players give their bets to the winner.
Here are various types of gambling commonly known in society:
• Online Gambling: Includes all forms of gambling conducted online, such as online poker, blackjack, roulette, slot machines, sports betting, bingo, and online lottery.
• Togel Gambling (Toto Gelap): A number guessing game very popular in Indonesia, where players bet on certain number combinations. In Medan, it has been known for a long time, with only 28 numbers to guess one winning number.
• Dice Gambling: A betting game using dice to determine the winner.
• Cockfighting: A fight between two roosters where the result is bet on.
• Football Gambling (Soccer Betting): Betting on the outcome of soccer matches or other sports. Football gambling is increasingly popular, even having mafias who can buy players and fix match scores as long as the payment is high.
• Fish Shooting Gambling: A game using fish shooting machines commonly found in entertainment venues.
• Card Gambling: Includes games like rummy, dominoes, poker, blackjack, baccarat, and others.
• Chess and Billiards Gambling: Betting on chess or billiards matches.
• Racing Bets (Horse Racing, Bull Racing, Sheep Fighting, Buffalo Fighting): Betting on the results of races or animal fights.
• Lottery and Raffles: Buying lottery or raffle tickets hoping to win big prizes.
• Esports and Fantasy Sports Betting: Betting on the results of professional video game matches or creating virtual teams to bet based on real player performance.
• Casino Games: Include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, slot machines, and various other table games usually found in casinos.
These types of gambling continue to evolve with technological advances and changing social trends, but essentially all involve betting with the hope of instant profit.
Impacts of Gambling and How to Save Yourself
1. Gambling Damages the Relationship with God
Gambling is not only a moral issue but also a spiritual one. Gambling distances a person from God because it contradicts the Christian principle of relying on God, not luck or money.
2. Gambling Is Dangerous and Its Impacts
The real consequences of gambling addiction affect personal, family, and spiritual life. Remember that repentance is the way to recovery and peace. A lifetime gambler will never win, even if they continue, leading to debt and bankruptcy.
3. Relevant Bible Verses
Gambling relates to the desire to get rich quickly, the danger of loving money, the importance of hard work, and living honestly, for example:
• 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
• Proverbs 13:11: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
• Leviticus 19:11: “Do not steal; do not lie; do not deceive one another.”
4. Practical Steps to Repent
• Draw closer to God through prayer and the Word.
• Seek support from family, friends, or spiritual leaders.
• Avoid environments or triggers of gambling.
• Attend counseling or therapy if needed to quit gambling.
5. Hope and Testimony
Indeed, repentance is a process. God always opens the door of forgiveness for those who want to change and return to Him.
Five Real Impacts of Gambling in Life
• Financial Loss: Gamblers often lose large amounts of money, sometimes falling into debt.
• Addiction and Mental Disorders: Gambling can cause severe addiction, stress, depression, and other psychological disorders.
• Damage to Social and Family Relationships: Gambling addiction often damages relationships with spouses, children, and family, sometimes causing divorce.
• Decline in Morals and Ethics: Gambling encourages dishonest, manipulative behavior often accompanied by lying or stealing.
• Distance from God and Sin: Gambling is an act contrary to Christian teachings, making a person further from God and living in sin.
Christian View on Gambling
The Bible does not explicitly mention gambling as a sin, but its principles clearly oppose love of money, desire for quick wealth, and dishonest behavior. Gambling is considered sinful because it involves greed, dishonesty, and distancing oneself from God. Christians are called to live honestly, work hard, and rely on God, not luck.
Application for Christians:
• Avoid all forms of gambling and resist the temptation to seek instant wealth.
• Build a strong spiritual life through prayer, reading the Word, and Christian community.
• If already trapped, do not hesitate to seek help from spiritual leaders, counselors, or church community.
• Learn to manage finances wisely and work hard according to Biblical principles.
• Be a role model for family and community in living honestly and with integrity.
Example of a Person Who Once Gambled and Repented
Here is the testimony of Pastor Edy Wagino, M.Th. He was once known as a thug, drunkard, drug addict, and gambler. After encountering Jesus Christ in prison, he repented and now serves as a pastor, ministering especially in correctional institutions. His story shows that nothing is impossible for God, and anyone can be transformed if they repent.
Closing
Gambling is a sin that damages many aspects of life. God’s Word emphasizes the danger of loving money and calls us to live honestly, work hard, and depend on God. For those trapped in gambling, repentance is the path to true recovery. God always opens the door of forgiveness for those who return to Him. Jesus came to the world, was crucified, and resurrected to save sinners. The important thing is to repent and return to the right path. Nothing is impossible; you can do it.
Media, June 26, 2025
Pastor Saumiman Saud – CEBC San Francisco
