Gambling is a form of risk-taking where something of value is staked on a random event, for the chance to win a prize. While gambling can be fun, some individuals have developed a serious problem with their behaviour. This is known as a gambling disorder and can have profound personal, family, work and social effects.
About 2.5 million people in the United States (1%) meet the diagnostic criteria for a severe gambling disorder and are at risk of developing one. Another 5-8 million people have mild to moderate gambling disorders. Most of these people are not diagnosed because they do not have a gambling problem that interferes with their life in major ways or cause significant distress.
Many people enjoy a small amount of recreational gambling. Often, these games are played with friends and involve playing cards or games of chance for a small wager. In some cultures, people may place bets on sports events like football matches or horse races. These bets are typically organized by commercial and professional organizations.
The Bible teaches us that the love of money is a sin (Luke 16:13). Gambling directly appeals to greed and covetousness and enthrones personal desires in God’s place. It also denies the biblical work ethic, which links honest labour with reward. It also promotes laziness, which is condemned by the Scriptures (Colossians 3:25). Gambling disproportionately targets the poor who are especially vulnerable and can lead them into prostitution and other criminal activities.