Gambling is the placing of something of value (usually money) on an event with an element of chance and where instances of strategy are discounted. It includes activities such as betting on horse races, sports events, lottery, casino games and scratchcards.
People gamble for many reasons – to get an adrenaline rush, socialise or escape from worries or stress. However, for some it can become an addiction. Getting help for a gambling problem is really important and there are treatments available. It is also important to look out for signs that someone may be suffering from this problem. They include:
Being unable to control how much you gamble; putting in more money than you can afford to lose; missing out on family, friends and other activities; lying to family or a therapist about how much you gamble; borrowing money to gamble; spending more than you can afford to pay back; and spending time gambling instead of working or caring for loved ones. It is also important to note that gambling can lead to other problems, such as mental health issues (depression, anxiety or self-harm), substance abuse and financial difficulties.
Some people develop a problem with gambling because they are predisposed to it. Certain genetic factors are associated with an increased risk of developing a gambling disorder, and there are also environmental factors that can contribute. Many people who have a problem with gambling find it difficult to recognise the extent of their involvement in this activity, and are not always able to stop.
Those who have a problem with gambling often exhibit behaviours such as:
– Being unable to control how much they gamble; putting in more money than they can afford to lose; missing out on family, friendships and other activities because of gambling; lying to family or a therapist / counsellor about how much they gamble; spending more than they can afford to pay back; and chasing their losses (trying to win back the money that they have lost by placing more bets).
In addition, many people who struggle with gambling are unable to recognise when they are gambling or are not in control of their behaviour. This can lead to a lot of stress for the person concerned, as they feel like they are not in control of their life. It can also be hard for those around them to deal with the situation, especially if they are ignoring them and breaking promises.
People are often more likely to develop a gambling problem as they get older. The brain isn’t fully mature until the age of 25 and this can make it more difficult to resist temptation and bad habits. It is also important to remember that gambling is not a legitimate form of entertainment and is instead a corrupting vice. It should be avoided at all costs. (Romans 13:1-5).