Gambling involves the placing of something of value, usually money, on a random event that is subject to some degree of chance and with the intention of winning something else of value. Gambling includes a wide range of activities, from lottery tickets, cards, bingo, slots and machines, instant scratch-off tickets, races, animal tracks, dice, sports events, and a variety of other games. While the majority of individuals participate in gambling as an enjoyable social activity, a small group of individuals become excessively involved in gambling and continue to gamble despite negative personal, family, and financial consequences. Such individuals are termed disordered gamblers.
The psychology of gambling includes a number of theories, including risk-taking, sensation-seeking, and loss control. The theory of sensation-seeking argues that people gamble to experience a rush of arousal or excitement. This may be a result of the novelty and uncertainty involved in gambling or simply an attempt to escape from an unpleasant reality. Alternatively, some researchers have suggested that individuals gamble to avoid negative feelings such as stress and depression.
Loss-control problems are also common among problem gamblers. Individuals with such issues feel unable to stop gambling, even when they are losing large amounts of money. Some also develop a sense of urgency and believe they must “chase their losses” by increasing their involvement in gambling. This pattern can lead to the development of a gambling addiction.
There is a growing role for the evaluation of patients’ gambling behaviors within primary care settings, given the prevalence of legalized gambling in many countries and its potentially addictive potential. Gambling is a non-drug behavior with similar neurobiological effects to drug abuse and can be a significant source of health risks. As a consequence, evaluating for pathological gambling is a valid and useful part of the patient history.
Historically, understanding of the adverse consequences of gambling has been limited. It was not until the early 20th century that scientists began to understand the psychological mechanisms involved in gambling and its effects on the brain. This understanding led to the inclusion of pathological gambling in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980 and 1994.
The Bible clearly teaches that trusting in luck and superstition is sinful. In fact, mainstream Christian belief has always viewed gambling as incompatible with the biblical teachings of scripture. This view is articulated by such writers as Tertullian, Hugh Latimer, John Wesley, C H Spurgeon, and William Wilberforce. In addition, the Bible is clear that God’s sovereignty cannot be replaced by chance and superstition.