Jews & Gambling

Ancient Gambling

No mention is made in Jewish texts of games of chance until the period of the Mishnah (Mishnah Sanhedrin 24b). 


With the influence of foreign customs during the latter period of the Second Temple, gambling, particularly with dice, became popular among Jews. However, the Rabbis viewed these imported fashions with intense aversion, considering gambling as a form of robbery and a waste of time.

Rabbinic Opposition

The Rabbis vehemently opposed gambling, considering it morally reprehensible and socially detrimental. They disqualified gamblers from testifying before courts of justice (Mishnah Sanhedrin 24b), reflecting the severity with which they viewed the practice. Despite communal decrees against gambling, various forms of it, including dice, lotteries, and card games, became widespread among medieval European Jews.

Law vs. Practice

Jewish communities issued decrees and excommunications against gambling, but these measures were not always effective. Even prominent scholars and leaders were known to indulge in gambling, prompting communal responses to curb its prevalence. However, certain holidays and celebrations saw a relaxation of these restrictions, indicating the complex relationship between religious prohibitions and cultural practices.

Casting Purim

One notable exception to the general prohibition against gambling in Jewish tradition is the holiday of Purim. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from the plot of Haman, as described in the Book of Esther. A unique custom associated with Purim is the casting of lots, which mirrors the lots cast by Haman to determine the date of the planned genocide. While gambling is typically discouraged, the tradition of casting lots on Purim serves as a symbolic reenactment of the miraculous events that unfolded, emphasizing divine providence over chance. This practice highlights the nuanced relationship between gambling and religious observance in Jewish tradition, illustrating how cultural and historical contexts influence interpretations of gaming practices.

Types of Gambling

The Rabbis made distinctions between casual gaming for pastime and professional gambling. While they generally forbade gambling, they allowed games for pastime, especially for women and children, even on the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch, Oraḥ Ḥayyim 338:5).


Despite objections from religious authorities, Jews often followed the gaming practices of their non-Jewish neighbors, reflecting the influence of surrounding cultures.

Modern Perspectives

In modern times, the debate around gambling continues among Jewish communities. Some religious leaders maintain a strict stance against all forms of gambling, citing moral and ethical concerns. Others adopt a more lenient approach, allowing certain forms of gaming for recreational purposes. Halachic interpretations vary, with some prohibiting gambling altogether and others permitting it under certain circumstances.

In Conclusion

The issue of gambling remains complex within Jewish tradition, with historical precedents shaping contemporary perspectives. While the Rabbis of antiquity viewed gambling with disdain, modern Jews grapple with balancing religious prohibitions with cultural norms. As gambling practices evolve, Jewish communities continue to navigate the moral and ethical implications of games of chance, striving to uphold the values of justice, integrity, and communal welfare.