Gambling involves a bet, often money, on an event where chance plays a role. Traditionally, people gamble in casinos or betting shops, but it is also possible to place bets online and through mobile devices, and many video games now contain gambling elements. There are even state-run lotteries and sports betting. It is now easier than ever to bet and win or lose money. People can bet on anything from lottery numbers to the outcome of a football match.
There is a growing awareness that some people have problems with gambling. Understanding these problems has developed along with the development of new treatments and rehabilitation programs.
Mainstream Christian belief has always viewed gambling as incompatible with the Bible’s teaching. It glorifies luck and superstition, and denies God’s sovereignty (Job 42:2, Romans 1:28 and Colossians 1:16). It also undermines the biblical work ethic that links honest labour with reward, and can encourage laziness instead of hard work, which is condemned in Scripture (eg 2 Thessalonians 3:11).
People with gambling problems may experience a range of symptoms, including loss of control over gambling behavior, difficulty concentrating or falling asleep, or an inability to think clearly. They may also show signs of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. Some also experience changes in their personality, such as becoming more irritable or aggressive, and may be unable to remember things they have done while gambling.
While there is no one cause of gambling addiction, research shows that impulsiveness and poor impulse control are significant risk factors. It is thought that a combination of factors, including sensation- and novelty-seeking, arousal, negative emotionality and low self-esteem, are associated with the onset of gambling disorder. Moreover, there is evidence that some people who gamble become addicted for coping reasons – to help them forget worries or to feel self-confident, for example – and these issues should be taken into consideration when treating someone with gambling problems.
The first step to overcoming a gambling problem is to stop gambling. Then learn to deal with unpleasant emotions or boredom in healthier ways, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and taking up a hobby. Lastly, make a plan to stick to your limits. Decide ahead of time how much you can afford to spend, and set a time limit for when you will quit gambling. Never chase your losses, thinking you will suddenly get lucky and recoup your losses; this is known as the gambling fallacy. The more you try to recoup your losses, the bigger your losses will be. It is also a good idea to stop gambling when you have reached your limit, whether or not you are winning. This will stop you from making bad decisions in the heat of the moment. For severe cases, there are residential treatment and rehab programs that offer round-the-clock support for those with gambling addictions. These programs may include family therapy, marriage, career and credit counseling.