Gambling involves wagering something of value, often money, on an event with uncertain outcome. People gamble in a wide variety of ways: from betting on sports events, to playing card games or board games like poker, to placing bets at casinos or online. While most people gamble responsibly, a small proportion develop pathological gambling, which is characterized by serious distress or impairment. Pathological gamblers also often lie to family members, therapists or others about the extent of their involvement in gambling; use illegal methods (forgery, theft, embezzlement) to fund gambling; and jeopardize employment, educational opportunities, and personal relationships because of gambling.
Although many types of gambling can cause problems, the most problematic are those that involve large amounts of money or are done frequently. Several studies have reported that most problem gamblers are men. However, women are just as likely to develop gambling problems. The prevalence of pathological gambling in the United States has increased steadily since 1974, reaching a high level by the late 1990s.
It is estimated that about a third of gamblers become addicted to gambling. The addiction is a complex disorder that has multiple causes and can affect all aspects of a person’s life. It is characterized by a craving for more, which results in compulsive behavior, loss of control and impaired functioning.
Symptoms include:
Experiencing an emotional or behavioral episode that violates a person’s personal values and beliefs; having difficulty controlling spending, time, or energy; experiencing an increase in stress and anxiety; and being unable to cope with negative emotions. In addition, people who experience a problem with gambling may be less likely to seek help because of the social stigma associated with the condition.
The most common form of gambling is betting on the outcome of an event, such as a race or a football game. People place these bets with either cash or another item of value, such as a meal ticket. People may also engage in private gambling, such as when friends play card games or other board or card games in their homes and wager small sums of money for the pleasure of playing with each other.
Regardless of the type of gambling, it is important to only gamble with money that can be easily replaced or lost. It is also wise to avoid gambling with money that needs to be saved for bills or rent. Also, it is helpful to limit gambling activities to a specific amount of time. Finally, it is important to recognize that gambling promotes falsehoods about chance and enthrones personal desires above God’s will, which violates the 1st and 2nd commandments as well as biblical warnings against idolatry (Colossians 3:15).