Gambling is an activity in which wealth changes hands, primarily on the basis of chance and with a significant element of risk to the gambler. It can take the form of betting on games of chance or skill like sports, lotteries, or casino games, but also includes more social activities like card games and dice games such as poker or blackjack.
Gambling takes place in a wide variety of settings and contexts. Most gambling is done in casinos, but it can also occur at racetracks and other sporting events, in bars and restaurants, and even on the Internet.
Most people do not develop gambling problems, but about 2.5 million U.S. adults meet diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling (PG). These individuals are at significant risk of serious negative social, psychological and financial consequences. Other people have milder PG symptoms that do not fully qualify as a disorder, but still cause them significant distress and difficulties in their lives. These individuals are referred to as subclinical PGs, and some of them do not have a diagnosis in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The causes of gambling problems are complex and vary from person to person. Some people are at higher risk of developing a problem than others due to genetics, life experiences, the environment, and other factors. In addition, some individuals have a predisposition to gambling addiction based on their level of education, cultural or economic background.
Some people develop a gambling addiction because they are seeking excitement and a thrill, or because they are trying to meet unmet needs, such as the need for belonging or the need for self-esteem. Some people may begin gambling in response to stress or boredom, and find that it relieves the pain for a while, but then becomes a vicious cycle as they try to recover their losses.
Whether or not gambling is legal, it is a highly profitable industry with enormous turnover and profit margins. The money that is legally wagered each year is estimated at $10 trillion, with illegal gambling likely far exceeding this amount.
Gambling is a form of idolatry that directly appeals to the desires of covetousness and greed, which violate the 1st, 2nd, and 10th commandments. People who place their trust in luck and superstition, instead of in God, will not be saved (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, it is important to seek help. You can call the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 for help and resources. Alternatively, you can find more information about gambling addiction treatment online at www.helpforaddiction.org. This website also offers free live chat and telephone support for anyone struggling with a substance use disorder, including gambling addiction. The helpline is staffed by professional counselors and trained volunteers, and is available 24 hours a day. You can also find free self-help materials at the website that include fact sheets, brochures, and videos.
