The good side: fast cash
I guess sports betting has been a good source of income for many families. In fact, I know a few goodly folks who were not lucky enough to get employment yet are able to pay their monthly bills through the betting business. After all, who doesn’t fancy a quick paycheck from the tiniest drop of sweat? I mean, what’s better than to smile your way to the bank to collect your 6 figure something that appeared from nowhere? I suppose this is the reason why the betting craze has gained popularity among modern minds over the past decade.
The bad side: greed
As innocent as lottery games can be, we are all aware that most people join this fast money bandwagon not because they lack but because there is a hidden motive of getting rich quickly. Scripture strongly warns those who call on the Name of the Lord about the love of money. It is one of those things that we are commanded to flee from. To quote a Bible verse, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition (1 Tim 6:9). Therefore, take my advice and examine your motives well, because the spirit of greed might have crept into your heart unawares. A desire for shortcut riches also emanates from distrusting God, and His ability to provide for our daily needs. Furthermore, we are always commanded to work honestly with our hands for a living, and to invest our incomes well, so we can support the Gospel work while also sharing with those in need (Eph 4:28, 2 Thes 3:10-12). After all, it is God’s money that has been entrusted to our care.
The bad side: addiction
Every drug abuser will tell you that it started very small and harmlessly so. Yet human nature is so weak that it doesn't take much effort for it to be carried away. We all know that sports betting is highly addictive. Once you start it, and win a few bets, before you know it, all your life, time and money become dedicated to gambling. Believe it or not, there are many cases of mounting debts, family problems, and even theft, all coming from uncontrollable gambling habits. Now, do you think it’s wise for me to encourage believers into such a thing? Me thinks not.
The bad side; spiritism
I can't speak for white people overseas, but I can only tell you that we Africans have got a terrible sickness of spiritualizing everything, lottery numbers included. You will be amazed how many friends have I heard with my ears say that they do their bets because they have a personal dead ancestor who tells them through dreams which numbers to play. In fact, some of them walk around with dream books that interpret every dream into lottery numbers. One guy told me that his gogo (dead grandmother) is so accurate that she guarantees a jackpot every time. Who doesn’t know that all that is directly connected to the demonic world? Tell me if that is dangerous or not. I hear you say to me, but I don't do those things, my betting is innocent enough. My answer is: it’s only a matter of time buddy, the more you get into it, the deeper you will go into darkness. Why not stay out of it altogether?
The bad side: exploitation by the rich
The betting industry actually benefits owners the most, in fact, it’s never a loss to them, but abundant gains all the time at the expense of the poor masses who are lured by a promise of instant jackpots. What happens is that they know that lottery games are based on random chance. Hence out of all the citizens who put their income to their company, only 2 out of 500 have a chance to win something while the rest live to dig deeper into their pockets again tomorrow. Guess who wins in the end? We live in a world that continues to fatten the rich, all at the expense of the desperate masses. I just don't like the thought of it.
Conclusion. Brethren, my duty is never to criticize nor condemn other Christians who believe in Sports betting, but to simply lay out my legitimate concerns and the dangers that lie in the path of those souls. In the end, it is up to you to decide what’s best for you, although I would strongly advise against Christian betting because of the reasons above. To add more salt to the wound, just try to picture Jesus Himself standing in line to bet for his favourite team, remember He is our example. I would rather encourage you to trust the Lord as the provider, and be satisfied with what He has given you thus far. And do something with your own hands, through the sweat of your brow so you can earn a living for His glory. Maratha.
Sinothi Ncube
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