Gambling involves risking money or something of value on a game that depends on chance for its outcome. It can include betting on a sporting event, games of chance such as fruit machines or scratchcards, lotteries and casino gambling. The activities are often illegal and often have substantial negative social, family and financial consequences.
Although many people enjoy gambling, some become too involved to control their activities and have serious problems. This can affect their mental health and relationships, their ability to work or study and can lead to debts which can threaten homelessness. In the worst cases, a person’s addiction to gambling can even lead to suicide.
There are a number of ways to help someone with a gambling problem. One option is to speak to a professional who can provide advice, support and referral resources for specialist treatment programs in your area. Alternatively, you could try to set boundaries in your relationship with the gambler and take over responsibility for household finances. You may also want to consider reviewing bank and credit card statements to identify spending patterns that might be suspicious.
The Bible teaches that the use of gambling is wrong. It is a temptation to people who are tempted by wealth, and it encourages them to seek earthly pleasures rather than the peace of God’s kingdom. This can lead to a cycle of sin, causing an individual to become more and more addicted.
It is often difficult to recognise that gambling has become a problem, and the usual reaction is to deny or minimise it. This can be particularly dangerous, as it can cause the individual to hide their spending and lie to others about their gambling habits. It can also lead to other ill-advised behaviours, such as forgery, theft and embezzlement to fund the addiction.
Many types of gambling involve skill, for example, in a card game a player’s knowledge of playing strategies can improve their chances of winning; or in a horse race the knowledge of horses and jockeys can help predict likely outcomes. However, the overwhelming majority of gambling involves chance and therefore the results are largely unpredictable.
In the UK, over half of the population take part in gambling activities, mainly betting, and most do so responsibly. For some, though, it can have a damaging effect on their physical and mental health, relationships with family and friends, performance at work or school and can leave them in serious debt or even homeless.
Some individuals, especially the poor, are more susceptible to gambling because of strained financial circumstances and this can be very dangerous. It is important to remember that the Bible teaches that we should not be greedy (Proverbs 30:8) and to seek contentment in God’s kingdom, trusting that He will meet all of our needs (Matthew 6:30-34). It is also right to treat gambling as an activity which is inherently addictive and which can impose serious consequences on individuals and their families.