While most people who gamble do so responsibly, a subset will go on to develop gambling disorder, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as a persistent, recurrent pattern of excessive gambling that causes distress or impairment. The effects of this can be far-reaching and are likely to affect relationships, performance at work or study, finances and homelessness.
The escapism offered by gambling can be attractive to those who feel depressed or anxious, but the highs and lows of this activity are likely to make these feelings worse. Moreover, the risk of losing money and being unable to recover it can cause a sense of shame and embarrassment, which can further reinforce problematic behaviour. In some cases, these feelings can be so severe that they lead to thoughts of suicide.
Gambling involves taking a risk on something of value in exchange for an opportunity to win something else of value, with the likelihood of winning being influenced by luck and superstition rather than sound reasoning and strategy. It also glorifies chance and denies God’s sovereignty, which is fundamental to Christian belief. It is therefore incompatible with biblical teaching and should not be encouraged.
Most people enjoy the thrill of gambling and the elation that accompanies a big win, but for some it can become a serious addiction that can have devastating consequences. It can impact physical and mental health, family relationships, work or study, personal finance, lead to debt and even criminal activity, and it can damage a person’s reputation and career. It can also result in a lack of sleep, socialising or eating properly and lead to depression and anxiety.
Many people who become addicted to gambling find it difficult to break the habit, but there are effective treatments available. If you are worried about someone who is gambling, help them to see the issues that they might be struggling with and encourage them to seek appropriate treatment. It can also be helpful to understand what causes gambling problems, which includes learning more about how gambling impacts the brain.
It can be easy to blame a loved one for gambling problems, but the truth is that they did not choose to have an early win or to become addicted. They may have felt that the early win justified continuing to gamble, or they might not realise how addictive gambling can be.
It is also worth remembering that casinos, betting shops and arcades are real businesses, designed to take money from you in exchange for entertainment. So you should only ever gamble with money that you can afford to lose and never use credit cards, loans or overdrafts to fund it. Keeping this in mind can be a good way to avoid falling into the trap of gambling problems and protect your relationships with friends and family. Alternatively, you could try taking up a new hobby or finding other ways to get your fix of fun and excitement.