Gambling involves wagering something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, such as the roll of a dice, the spin of a roulette wheel or the result of a horse race. While most people who gamble do so without problems, a small number develop gambling disorder (defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as persistent and recurrent problematic gambling that causes substantial distress or impairment).
People can choose to place bets on all sorts of things, from football matches to scratchcards. Their choices are matched to ‘odds’ – figures that determine how much money they could win if they make the right choice. The odds are usually published on the betting website or in shop windows, but can also be found on TV or radio. It is important to remember that the odds are just a guide. Even the most expert of punters will lose some of their stakes on occasion.
The human brain doesn’t fully mature until the age of 25, so young people are more likely to develop bad habits than older adults. Young people are more likely to gamble too, and this can have negative effects on their lives. It can damage their health and well-being, interfere with relationships, hurt performance at work or university, put them in financial trouble and even lead to homelessness.
There is a growing role for the evaluation of gambling behaviors in primary care settings, particularly for those patients with addictive disorders. This is because it is often a hidden problem that can have profoundly adverse effects on an individual’s life.
It is important to note that the Bible clearly teaches that gambling is wrong. It glorifies chance and denies God’s sovereignty. It is not surprising that it has been condemned by theologians throughout history, including Tertullian, Hugh Latimer, John Wesley and William Wilberforce.
If you do gamble, it is important to set limits on how long you play and how much you can spend. Try not to gamble when you are feeling down or stressed. Take time away from the casino to relax and refresh yourself. It is best to gamble with only cash. If you do start to lose, stop gambling immediately. Never chase your losses – this is known as the “gambler’s fallacy.” The more you try to win back what you have lost, the bigger your losses will be.
Be sure to balance your gambling with other activities, such as spending time with family and friends or doing sports, arts or hobbies. It is also important to avoid drinking and gambling. This will prevent gambling from becoming a way of trying to escape your problems. Finally, always keep a budget and stick to it. Never borrow to gamble and don’t use credit cards. If you are worried about someone who is gambling too much, talk to them and offer support. If they have a gambling problem, there are free and confidential services available to help them get help.