Betting On The Super Bowl, Playoffs, Sports etc. + Gambling (Casino & Online), or Card Games (Blackjack & Poker)? [#118] What’s The Halacha?

What is the Halacha regarding gambling and sports betting?

Today’s topic: What is the Halacha regarding gambling and sports betting?
This includes betting between friends, with non-Yids, online betting, card games like poker, and more. Is it completely assur (forbidden), just discouraged, or permitted under certain conditions? This question especially comes up during major events like the Super Bowl or playoffs, and even when people visit cities (for conventions) with casinos—whether or not they should be there in the first place.

We are not endorsing or promoting gambling of any kind. We are here to explain what the halacha says, as this issue comes up frequently and many are simply unaware.

The Source in the Gemara

The Gemara discusses this in Sanhedrin 24b–25a, where it lists people who are pasul le’edut—disqualified from giving testimony in a Jewish court. One such person is a mesachek b’kubia—someone who gambles, such as by rolling dice.

There are two different opinions in the Gemara why this is problematic:

1. Asmachta (Uncommitted Agreement)
   The first opinion holds that the gambler who loses never truly intended to give up his money, believing he would win. Therefore, when the winner takes the money, it is considered theft—geneiva.
2. Eino Osek B’yishuvo Shel Olam (Not Contributing to Society)
   The second opinion argues that the issue is not theft. Instead, the gambler is not engaging in productive activity that contributes to society. As a result, his value for money may be compromised, and he cannot be trusted in financial matters, making him pasul le’edut.

However, according to the second opinion, if the person has umanus acheres—another legitimate source of income—then gambling would not be assur.

Ashkenazi vs. Sefardi Halacha

There is a clear difference in how Ashkenazim and Sefardim rule on this issue, based on the Shulchan Aruch:

• Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat siman 370
  • The Rema (Ashkenazi custom) rules like the second opinion. As long as the person has another source of income, gambling is not theft and may be permitted.However, the Rema adds two important conditions:
    1. No Skill Involved – The outcome must be completely random. If there is any element of skill, it becomes assur.Shared Money Placement – The money must be placed on a surface that is jointly owned by both parties.
  These two conditions are rarely met. For example, in sports betting, people often rely on their knowledge of teams, players, and statistics. That introduces skill, making the bet assur even according to Ashkenazim. Likewise, in card games like poker and blackjack etc., skill is clearly involved.
• Sefardic Halacha (Shulchan Aruch)
  The Shulchan Aruch rules like the Rambam, who [according to most commentaries] follows the first opinion. Therefore, gambling is considered actual theft (geneiva), regardless of whether it's a person’s main source of income or if there is/isn't skill involved. For Sefardim, any form of gambling is assur.

Gambling with a Non-Yid

It’s important to note that these halachic prohibitions apply specifically to gambling between Yids. If a Yid gambles with a non-Yid, these issur of geneiva or does not apply—as long as it is not the Yid’s main source of income. This applies even according to the Shulchan Aruch and the Sefardic ruling.

However, one must be cautious. Just because a person is gambling in a casino that appears to be non-Yid owned, it does not mean it actually is. Many casinos are actually owned by Yidden. We are not here to calculate which establishments are Yid-owned, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Ethical and Moral Considerations

Although we usually focus strictly on the halachic aspects, it's important to mention the words of the Rivash, one of the great Rishonim. He described gambling as:

"A disgusting, abominable, and detestable thing."

Even when it starts off as casual or just for fun, gambling can easily become an addiction. It can damage a person’s life, finances, and family, leading to devastating consequences.

Final Halacha Summary

• For Ashkenazim:
  Gambling is not assur if:
  • The person has another source of income, the bet is purely random (no skill), and the money is placed on a surface jointly owned by both parties.
  (In most real-life cases, these conditions are not met, making almost all instances of gambling assur)
• For Sefardim:
  All gambling is assur, regardless of income source or skill, based on the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch.
• Gambling with non-Yids:
  Is assur only if it is the person's primary source of income. However caution is still advised in any case.

Conclusion

Our best advice is to completely avoid gambling in any form. Even if it appears harmless or recreational, it can quickly spiral into devastating financial and personal problems for them and their loved ones, as we unfortunately see so often.