Gambling is the betting or staking of something of value, such as money, on an event whose outcome depends on chance and involves risk to the bettor. It includes casino games, fruit machines and scratchcards, as well as bets placed on sporting events, lottery draws or other forms of competition. The odds are a measure of the chances that an event will happen and the amount of money a person might win or lose if they predict correctly. People may gamble for pleasure or as a way to increase their income.
Most adults and adolescents have gambled, mostly without problems, but for some the activity can become harmful. Up to 5% of those who gamble develop a gambling disorder. The most susceptible groups include those with low incomes who are more likely to have less to lose and those who start gambling young.
In addition to the physical harm, gambling can be socially and emotionally damaging. For example, it can cause depression and feelings of hopelessness and shame. The behaviour can also cause financial problems, which in turn can lead to family violence, relationship breakdown and even suicide.
Understanding what causes gambling disorders is key to reducing the incidence of them, as is supporting individuals who have a problem. This is why we have developed a range of resources, including factsheets and booklets to help families, friends and neighbours understand the risk factors for gambling disorder and how it can be treated.
The concept of what constitutes pathological gambling has changed over time and this change has been reflected in, or stimulated by, the evolving clinical classification of pathological gambling in three editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (called DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Pathological gambling has now been included as a mental health disorder and there are a number of specific tests which can be used to assess whether someone might have a gambling disorder.
While there is no definitive proof of the link between a person’s mental health and their gambling, there is increasing recognition that excessive gambling can have serious negative consequences for an individual and society as a whole. These harms can include family break down, poverty and debt, the erosion of civil institutions through corruption and sponsorship, and the distortion of personal values by commercialisation and advertising. It can also be a form of concealment for other criminal activities such as drug dealing and money laundering. In addition, it denies the biblical work ethic which links honest labour with reward. The Bible teaches that we should work hard and be self-sufficient so that we can provide for our families and support those in need.