Last month Governor Hogan signed into Maryland law a bill that grants licenses to the state’s six casinos, racetracks, and both the Orioles and Ravens stadiums for in-person betting. The law also grants licenses for mobile and online betting apps. The danger this poses to our state’s youth and families apparently goes unnoticed in Annapolis these days. Psychologist and author Dr. Linda Mintle has written, “Gambling has gone mainstream in American culture and has desensitized our kids to the problem of addiction and financial ruin that pathological gambling brings.”

The Maryland Senate is also considering a bill that would require high schools to adopt a curriculum that teaches the risks of gambling. Studies have demonstrated that 18-to-34 year-olds are most vulnerable to gambling addiction, and the risk increases the earlier gambling begins. Dr. Mintle adds, “During adolescence, that competitive spirit, coupled with fragile identity, ego formation and little fear of the consequences of behavior, can lead to risk-taking behavior.”

I have personally witnessed the damage done to families by sports gambling. I remember how it killed a marriage of a young couple when the husband would bet his entire paycheck on a game, leaving his family’s need neglected. The financial pressure eventually led to their divorce.

It is hard to find any direct reference to gambling in the Bible, although Proverbs warns us about the danger of get-rich-quick schemes versus building wealth over time: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11) If there is any doubt about the truthfulness of Proverbs, consider this: About 70 percent of people who suddenly receive a windfall of cash will lose it within a few years, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education. If you need further evidence, read this.

In addition, I believe there are three biblical principles that run contrary to gambling; however, let me first mention three things about gambling that need to be understood.

1. The chances are against you, and the bigger the pot the greater the odds of winning. If the same odds existed in traffic and arriving safely to your destination was the win, you’d never leave home.

2. The potential for gambling addiction is almost instinctual. It used to be a common saying of wives that they would rather their husbands drank than gambled.

3. Gambling’s association with crime is well documented.

All three are good reasons why gambling should be avoided like the plague. As for biblical principles pertaining to gambling:

1. Gambling runs contrary to God’s design for work. Christians must remember that work was assigned Adam prior to the fall. In his creative design, the Lord intended labor to be the means of gain. Gambling is an attempt to bypass that principle and get something for nothing. This leaves the gambler without any appreciation for what he gets—is it any wonder that windfalls often lead to financial ruin?

2. Gambling doesn’t show love for neighbor. Winning in gambling is almost always based on others losing. Your gain is someone else’s loss, even in lotteries and raffles—and the losers are usually those that can least afford it. According to Dave Ramsey, people who earn the least gamble the most. A study by the University of Buffalo showed that gambling is twice as likely in neighborhoods with the highest levels of poverty.

3. Gambling violates the principle of faith. As Christians, our hope should be in Christ, not a lottery ticket. The believer is to trust God and live in obedience to his will. In light of the first two principles, gambling opposes the Lord’s will and his plan for how we are to live in this world. I wholly concur with Dr. Mintle who went on to say, “Gambling represents a quick fix, but there are no quick fixes or short cuts to the refining process God wants to do when forming our character and development.”

Because parents are often clueless of their adolescent’s involvement with gambling, I’ll close by sharing a few signs of gambling addiction:

• An obsession or preoccupation with gambling.

• Denial and lying about gambling as a problem.

• Involvement in illegal behavior to fund the habit.

• Damaged relationships and lost opportunities because of gambling.

• Asking for money in desperation.

• Unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling.

• Taking greater risks to achieve same level of excitement.

Addiction is slavery and ultimately freedom is found in surrender to Jesus Christ. Only he can truly satisfy the deepest yearning of our hearts. Gambling may promise freedom but always fails to deliver. As Dr. Mintle concludes, “When it comes to gambling, there is one sure thing—God.” There are no losers in God’s family. In other words, life with God is a win-win! And that’s a winning truth.”