While most people enjoy gambling, a small group becomes addicted and the behaviour can have devastating personal, social, family, financial, health and work impacts. It also often co-occurs with mental health problems and alcohol or drug misuse.
Gambling involves wagering something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome in order to win a prize. This could be something as simple as a roll of the dice, a spin of the roulette wheel or the outcome of a horse race. However, it could also involve betting on a future sports contest or casino games where skill is not an integral part of the game. Unlike most recreational activities, gambling is often rooted in superstition and luck.
In the past, people who gambled were seen as irrational, immoral and dishonourable. The Bible clearly teaches us that trusting in luck and chance is sinful (Job 42:2). The Bible also warns against idolatry and places a high value on God’s sovereignty over all things (1 Chronicles 16:13).
Many people think of casinos or horse races when they hear the word ‘gambling’. But gambling takes place in other places as well, such as gas stations, church halls and online. It can be a hidden addiction, affecting the lives of many people who do not realise they have a problem.
A large number of organisations offer support, assistance and counselling for people experiencing harm from gambling. Some are aimed at the person who is struggling with their gambling, while others provide help for their families. Some organisations also run peer support groups, which can be helpful for both the person who is struggling with their gambling and their family.
Gambling can have significant negative effects on health, including poor mental and physical health, family relationships, performance at work or study and the ability to make sound decisions. It can also lead to serious debt and, in some cases, homelessness. It can also have a serious impact on family finances, with those who spend more money on gambling being more likely to miss mortgage payments, take out payday loans or end up in arrears. In addition, it is estimated that more than 400 suicides each year may be linked to compulsive gambling.
Those who gamble often deny that their habit is a problem and will lie to family members or friends about how much time they spend on gambling and the amount of money they are spending. They might try to justify their gambling by saying it is a form of entertainment, or that they just like the thrill of winning. They may even start to hide evidence of their gambling, such as keeping receipts or a secret diary.
For those who do experience a gambling problem, there are a number of different therapies available to help them overcome their addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing damaging thoughts and behaviors, can be effective. Motivational interviewing is another type of approach that helps people to turn their ambivalence about quitting into concrete motivation to change their behavior.