The Negative Impacts of Gambling
Gambling is a popular pastime that has many benefits, but it also has negative impacts on the gambler, their significant others and society. In a world that feels increasingly isolating, casinos are a rare space where people from all walks of life can gather and interact with one another in person.
Many people who gamble enjoy the feeling of being wrapped up in a moment of excitement and possibility. This is a powerful sensation that provides jolts of dopamine to the brain. Unlike video games or social media where you can easily become distracted, gambling requires a certain level of focus and attention to the task at hand. It creates a bubble of concentration and gives the gambler a sense of control in a world that often feels uncontrollable.
The first part of gambling involves choosing something to wager on – whether it’s a football team winning a match or a scratchcard. This choice is then matched to ‘odds’ (which are the chances of winning) by the betting company. These odds are not known in advance and are dependent on chance – nobody knows for sure what the outcome of their wager will be.
Once the money is spent, the gambler can either walk away empty handed or win more than they originally staked. For this reason, it is important for people to have boundaries in place before they begin to gamble. For example, it is good to start with a fixed amount that they are willing to lose and not exceed that. This way they can enjoy the excitement of gambling without causing harm to their finances.
For people who are unable to hold a steady job, it can be easy for gambling to take over their lives and lead to financial problems and debt. It is important to recognise when your gambling is starting to cause you problems and seek help. You can speak to a Christian financial counsellor or seek professional help.
Gambling denies the biblical work ethic which links honest labour with reward and promotes laziness instead. This can affect your job prospects and can even result in unemployment if you miss work to gamble. It can also encourage stealing which is condemned in Scripture (Proverbs 30:8-9).
Problem gambling is associated with high suicide rates and can be extremely difficult to overcome. It can also cause significant damage to family relationships and can be very harmful to children. If you are having trouble controlling your gambling habits, try setting boundaries in managing your money; taking control of your family finances; reviewing bank and credit card statements; and seeking professional help from a certified gambling counselor or intensive treatment program in your area.
