Gambling involves placing something of value, such as money or property, at stake on an uncertain outcome. Gambling may involve games of chance such as rolling dice or spinning roulette wheels; or it may involve using skill like playing poker or creating fantasy sports teams. Gambling was once seen as immoral and illegal but attitudes have evolved significantly over time: many governments now regulate it while those involved in it can receive support from various organisations.
Gamblers may experience numerous forms of harm from gambling, such as financial strain, relationship breakdown, family violence, mental illness and suicide. Gambling-related harm can affect lifelong generations. To minimize such impacts and to ensure better future generations’ wellbeing, the best approach for preventing harm related to gambling should be preemptive: universal precommitment requires people to set binding financial and time limits before gambling begins while self-exclusion may also help.
Problem gambling affects people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and levels of education equally; however, children and adolescents are at greater risk than others of developing a gambling problem, especially those who begin gambling early. Genetics, environment and medical history all play a part in someone becoming vulnerable to developing one.
The Bible clearly forbids covetousness and greed as idolatry, while the Apostle Paul noted that one cannot worship both God and money (Colossians 3:5). A person addicted to gambling may lose sight of their spiritual life while fulfilling personal desires at the expense of pleasing the Lord – this can become an uncontrollable urge and vice.
People with gambling issues tend to keep their habit hidden from others and lie about how much or for how long they gamble. They may attempt to rationalise or deny they have a problem, yet in most cases their actions stem from unmanaged stress and anxiety caused by events in their life or peers who also struggle with this addiction.
Gambling can be particularly tempting to those living in poverty, offering relief from financial strain or alleviating anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, however, gambling can quickly become an addictive behavior which causes financial instability. Anyone struggling with their finances due to gambling should seek help from reliable sources; such as professional counsellors, friends or family members or community organisations offering support services for those affected by it. It is also vitally important for those experiencing gambling problems to surround themselves with positive relationships while staying in regular touch with their support network.