Many people are attracted to gambling, but for some it is an addiction that has serious consequences. Some people may find it difficult to recognise that gambling is causing them harm, and it can be even harder to get help because of the stigma attached to mental illness and the ways that addictions are hidden within society. There are some organisations that can provide support and assistance for those who have a problem with gambling. These include support groups, treatment centres and counselling services. Some of these organisations also offer family and community education programs.
A gambling addiction is often accompanied by compulsive behaviour and impulsivity, which are also common to many other disorders. It can lead to an inability to think clearly, control one’s impulses and weigh risks. Gambling is also often linked to poor health and can cause depression, anxiety and other psychological problems. It can also affect relationships and work performance. Those who have a problem with gambling often feel the urge to gamble in order to escape from stressful or unpleasant circumstances, but this can actually make things worse.
The Bible condemns greed and covetousness as idolatry, and it warns against putting money before God (Proverbs 30:8,9). The Bible also teaches us to be content with what we have, and to not live beyond our means (Luke 12:15). However, some Christians struggle to put these principles into practice. They may become superstitious or believe that certain games are ‘lucky’ and so will keep winning if they play them. It’s important to remember that every card dealt, spin of the reels and a drop of the ball on a roulette wheel is completely random. It is possible to win a lot of cash when gambling online, but you should always be prepared for a loss too.
People who are most at risk of developing gambling disorders are young people and men, and up to 5% of adolescents and young adults who begin gambling develop a disorder. People who start gambling at a younger age are more likely to develop a problem and, in particular, young men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with a gambling disorder. People who gamble with credit are also more likely to develop a gambling disorder and to experience higher levels of distress than those who don’t.
To reduce the likelihood of a problem, it’s important to set time limits and not gamble on credit. You should also avoid chasing your losses, as the more you try to win back your losses, the bigger your losses will be. Instead, learn to self-soothe unpleasant emotions and relieve boredom in healthier ways, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble or taking up a new hobby. Also, try to balance your gambling with other activities, and don’t gamble while you are under stress or feeling down. In the long term, this will help you to manage your money and your time more effectively.