Gambling is an issue that touches many lives, often leaving behind a trail of broken dreams, families, and finances. In South Africa, where gambling is a billion-rand industry, this issue is particularly pressing. Whether through casinos, buying lotto tickets, sports betting, or the increasing rise of online gambling, the availability and accessibility of gambling are on the rise. It preys on individuals looking for a quick escape from their struggles, promising a windfall that, in reality, benefits only a few while burdening the many.
The Salvation Army holds a clear position on this matter. We believe that gambling, in all its forms, is not just a harmless activity but a dangerous pursuit that exploits the vulnerable. It thrives on the very principles of greed and chance, offering the hope of unearned wealth while relying on the loss of others. This is not in line with the values we hold as Christians. God calls us to live lives of love, compassion, and integrity—not lives where we seek to profit at the expense of others.
Gambling, at its core, is about dependency and the desire for something for nothing. People often start with small wagers, convinced they can control the outcome. But for some, it spirals into a dangerous addiction, stripping them of their dignity and leading to financial destruction, broken relationships, and spiritual emptiness. Statistics show that vulnerable groups—particularly the poor—are disproportionately affected. They may not gamble more frequently, but the stakes are far higher for them. They risk their families, jobs, and futures for the fleeting hope of hitting it big.
In South Africa, the gambling industry is booming, with government-backed initiatives encouraging its growth. Online gambling, sports betting, and lotteries have made it easier than ever for people to engage in risky behavior, with little thought for the long-term consequences. As a result, problem gambling has become a significant social concern, with many individuals and families experiencing severe emotional, financial, and psychological impacts.
The Salvation Army is opposed to gambling in any form because it creates dependency, manipulates the vulnerable, and contradicts the Christian values of love and respect for others. The pursuit of quick, unearned wealth is a distortion of God’s purpose for our lives, which calls us to work for what we need, to be content, and to care for one another. Gambling undermines these values, encouraging greed, exploitation, and deception.
We also recognize the responsibility we have as Christians to protect those who are most at risk. While some may be able to engage in gambling without falling into addiction, many others do not have that luxury. We are called to be aware of the dangers and to protect those who are vulnerable to this vice. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV), “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
It is not our place to condemn those struggling with gambling addiction. We understand that addiction is a complex issue, and our role is to offer compassion and support. Internationally and nationally, through our education programmes, counseling, and rehabilitation services, we aim to help those affected find healing and restoration. We also encourage Salvationists to commit to abstaining from gambling, and instead, to contribute to outreach and support programmes that bring real transformation to those in need.
The Salvation Army stands firm in advocating against the normalization of gambling, whether promoted by governments, commercial entities, or even charitable organizations. We believe that those who have the power to influence policy must consider the broader consequences of gambling on families, communities, and society as a whole. We are committed to education, prevention, and advocacy, working to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling and to provide a safe space for those who need support.
In conclusion, as Salvationists, we are called to live lives marked by love, generosity, and self-control. Gambling is not compatible with these values. It promises what it cannot deliver and brings harm to many. We must be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in addressing this issue, both in our own lives and in the world around us. Through prayer, education, and support, we can help others break free from the grip of gambling and experience the true freedom that comes from living in Christ.
The Salvation Army’s International Positional Statement on Gambling can be found at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cache.salvationarmy.org/2ac8970c-a412-466d-94b7-412bd42c0388_English+Gambling+IPS.pdf