The Harms of Gambling
Gambling is any activity in which wealth changes hands based on chance and involves risk to the gambler. It includes betting, lotteries, fruit machines, scratchcards and card games and online casinos. It differs from other recreational activities, such as sport and arts, which involve skill and creative effort, and from investment, where the gambler is taking a risk on the basis of sound reasoning.
People gamble for many reasons – the adrenaline rush of winning money, to socialise or escape from worries or stress. But for some, gambling can get out of hand and cause harm. If you or someone you know is struggling with harmful gambling, there is support available. Recognising the signs of harm is the first step to getting help. These include spending more than you can afford, being secretive, getting into debt and feeling unable to go a day or week without gambling.
Harmful gambling is linked to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, talk to your GP or find NHS support. It’s also important to make time for friends and family, and try new activities. If you find yourself thinking about suicide or having suicidal feelings, please call 999 or visit A&E immediately.
The harms of gambling are varied and can impact a person’s emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. They can also have an impact on their performance at work or study and relationships. It can also lead to gambling addiction and even a sense of hopelessness.
In the UK, gambling is heavily marketed on TV, on social media and as sponsor of sports teams and events. It is promoted as a fun, exciting and risk-taking experience. Its appeal is often to young people and people in vulnerable situations, including those who have a history of trauma or are dealing with other issues such as substance use disorders. The industry makes use of psychological and sociological research to understand why it is so addictive and uses it to develop marketing strategies.
The psychology of gambling is complex and not fully understood, but it is thought that the main causes are an irrational desire for gain, the desire for a thrill or excitement and the need to escape from unpleasant emotions. Gambling promotes an illusion of control and reduces feelings of distress by triggering the release of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. It is also a form of escapism, as it glorifies luck and superstition while denying God’s sovereignty (Job 42:2; Romans 11:36). It is idolatry, breaching the 1st, 2nd, 8th and 10th commandments. The consequences of a gambling addiction are serious and may include death. But there is help and recovery is possible. For more information on the support services available for people affected by harmful gambling, visit our resources page.
