Gambling is any activity in which money or other value changes hands based on luck, whether it’s betting on football games, fruit machines, lotteries or playing card games. The risk to the gambler is that he or she will lose more than he or she wins. Gambling is often an outlet for negative emotions such as anxiety or depression and can provide a false sense of thrill, excitement and social connection. It also can provide relief from boredom or loneliness. People with mood disorders are more likely to gamble, and problem gambling may worsen underlying conditions.
While some people never have a problem with gambling, others become addicted. Gambling addiction can lead to serious financial, legal and health problems, especially for those who rely on it for a living. It can also deprive individuals of a sense of control, which is contrary to biblical teaching on contentment and trusting God to meet needs (Proverbs 30:8,9).
Symptoms of gambling addiction can include secretive behavior, lying to family and friends about how much money is lost, hiding or stealing to fund gambling, and chasing losses. Other warning signs are losing money, being preoccupied with gambling, becoming irritable or restless while at work or at home and withdrawing from social activities.
Those with a gambling addiction can seek help by strengthening their support network, finding healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings and unwind, or seeking professional counseling, such as family therapy, marriage counseling or credit counseling. They can also join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.