Gambling involves risking money or something of value, with the hope of gaining more than you lose. It can also be a form of entertainment, or a way to socialize with friends and family. But gambling can have serious consequences if you’re not careful. It’s important to understand how gambling impacts people, including the costs and benefits, before you gamble.
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about gambling and its impact on individuals, families and society. It also discusses treatment options and support for those struggling with problem gambling.
Problem gambling is an illness that affects anyone who struggles with compulsive betting and a loss of control over their betting. It is sometimes called compulsive gambling, gambling disorder or pathological gaming and can cause a variety of problems, from financial to emotional and interpersonal. Approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults (1%) meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem. Many more are at risk of developing one.
Gambling can have negative effects on everyone, but it is particularly damaging to those who are closest to a person with a gambling problem. These can include spouses, children and other family members, as well as colleagues at work. People who are close to a person with a gambling problem are often at higher risk of depression, stress and substance use disorders.
There are many ways to avoid triggers for problematic gambling. For example, if your usual route to and from work passes a casino, try taking another route. Keeping credit cards and nonessential cash at home can be helpful, as can changing the channel if watching sports makes you want to place a bet. It’s also important to challenge unhealthy thought patterns, like the illusion of control and irrational beliefs. These can be difficult to identify, but there are many resources available to help.
Many Christians view gambling as sinful, especially when it becomes excessive. It directly appeals to greed, enthrones personal desires in the place of God and entices us to believe that chance is more powerful than our own hard work (Proverbs 28:25). This flies in the face of Scripture, which teaches that we are to be content with what we have (Matthew 6:25) and not seek after material riches, or idols, rather than trusting God to provide for all our needs. (Romans 1:29; Colossians 3:15). It can also encourage laziness, which is condemned by the Bible (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Ultimately, gambling can lead to despair and even death (Job 42:23; Proverbs 31:27). It is therefore not surprising that the Bible has strong warnings against it. (See below).