Gambling is any activity in which something of value is staked on an event involving chance or uncertainty. It excludes games of skill and the use of strategies (for example, fruit machines, lotteries, casino games and scratchcards).
Whether a person is putting money on their favourite football team to win or buying a raffle ticket to win a car, they are gambling. If they win, the winnings are theirs, but if they lose, the money is gone. Gambling is not only an activity that can have serious financial repercussions but also has negative personal, family and social consequences.
While many people enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment, there are others who become so heavily involved that it becomes problematic and leads to a range of symptoms. These include:
A desire to experience a sense of excitement and euphoria, an over-riding urge to win or get even and a lack of self-control. The temptation to gamble can affect anyone, but it is particularly difficult for those who are in vulnerable circumstances, such as those who find themselves in debt or without a job. Those who suffer from a mental illness may find the stress of daily life or the need to escape can be exacerbated by gambling, especially if they have uncontrollable urges.
Unlike the more structured and responsible business of insurance where actuarial techniques are used to determine the appropriate premiums, gambling is driven by impulse and superstition. It glorifies luck and denies God’s sovereignty as the Bible teaches that man must work to earn his living (Proverbs 30:8-9).
Problematic gambling can be complex and challenging to identify, because people often hide their involvement. They may lie to their GP or family members and be reluctant to seek help because of feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment. Cultural factors can also influence attitudes towards gambling and how it is perceived as a ‘normal pastime’, which can make it harder for individuals to recognise that they have a problem. Nonetheless, there are many ways to intervene and support someone with a gambling problem. A variety of methods can be used to assess the level of a person’s concern about their gambling and provide information on treatment options. These include the Motivational Interviewing steps (see above).