Gambling is the betting of something of value, usually money, on an uncertain outcome – such as winning a lottery or a sporting event. It can also be done with objects that have value but are not money, such as marbles or collectible game pieces (like those in the games Pogs and Magic: The Gathering). In general, gambling involves risk and hope, and often a combination of these two elements. It is a common form of entertainment and recreation, and is a major industry worldwide.
A significant number of people develop gambling problems – known as pathological gambling, and described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as a “gambling addiction.” This carries serious consequences for their lives, relationships, and finances. People with a gambling problem often experience shame, guilt, or regret about their behavior, and may lie to friends and family or conceal their behavior from others. Some even try to recover from their gambling addiction by seeking professional help, such as counseling, support groups, or inpatient treatment and rehab programs.
While there is agreement among researchers that some people are at increased risk of developing a gambling disorder, it is not yet well understood how this occurs or what characteristics predict a person’s vulnerability to the disorder. Some researchers have suggested that differences in the structure of brain circuits involved in impulse control and decision making may contribute to the susceptibility to gambling disorders.
Other factors that influence a person’s vulnerability include genetic predisposition and cultural influences. For example, some people are more likely to gamble if they have an underactive brain reward system or are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviors and impulsivity. In addition, culture can shape a person’s perception of the nature and extent of gambling activity and what constitutes a gambling disorder.
Mainstream Christian belief has always viewed gambling as contrary to biblical teaching. It glorifies chance and superstition, and denies God’s sovereignty over human life (Job 42:2; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16, 17).
Gambling can also undermine the biblical work ethic by encouraging laziness rather than hard work, and can promote false dreams of wealth and prosperity based on luck instead of diligent effort and productive investment. It can also erode the values of honesty and fairness, encouraging dishonest practices such as lying, cheating, and stealing, which are condemned in Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:8; Galatians 5:20). People who develop a gambling addiction can have difficulty distinguishing between right and wrong ways to make money. They may develop a habit of hiding their gambling activities or lying about them, and feel compelled to secretly spend more money than they can afford to lose in the hopes of recouping their losses. This can create a vicious cycle of debt and self-denial, and lead to emotional and physical damage. In the end, a gambling addiction is not easily overcome and requires a complete change of harmful habits.
