More than 1 billion people worldwide engage in gambling each year, but many Christians believe it’s a sin. While the Bible doesn’t say that, many religious people argue that gambling is a sin because it involves wagering something of value on a random event, whether a roll of a dice or the outcome of a horse race. The reality is that, even though the majority of gamblers are adults, some people in their early 20s have started gambling, and some develop a gambling disorder. Behavioral research has primarily focused on negative consequences of gambling, but studies could also examine positive effects such as improved quality of life and social support.
Negative impacts of gambling include the economic costs of problem gambling, family harm and other societal costs, as well as the psychological damage caused by excessive gambling. These costs are largely invisible to gamblers themselves, but can eventually turn into visible social and/or community-level externalities such as financial harm, family distress, increased risk of substance use and gambling-related problems, and reduced functioning in the workplace or in relationships.
In addition, some gamblers feel that casino gambling provides a sense of escapism. The bright lights and the rattling of slot machines can distract individuals from their daily stresses and provide an enjoyable experience that makes them forget about their problems. However, these activities can be addictive, so it’s important to know your limits. For example, don’t spend more money than you can afford to lose, and don’t take out loans or lines of credit to gamble. It’s also a good idea to seek therapy and join a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.