Gambling involves betting something of value on an event with a consciousness of risk in the hope of gaining some profit. It may take many forms, from slot machines to sports betting to lotteries or casino games. Regardless of the specific form, the psychological impact is similar. It involves the recognition of a loss, the desire to recover, and an inability to control impulses. This leads to compulsive gambling and addiction.

It is a worldwide phenomenon with both positive and negative consequences. Supporters argue that the practice of gambling can bring in more tax revenues and tourism than other local activities, especially for poorer areas of the world. They also point to studies showing that it can teach valuable lessons in pattern recognition, critical thinking, maths and other skills.

Mainstream Christian belief, however, has long viewed gambling as incompatible with biblical teaching. This position was espoused by Tertullian, Hugh Latimer, John Wesley, William Wilberforce and C H Spurgeon, among others. Its harms include the enslavement to greed, a worship of luck and superstition and an implicit rejection of God’s sovereignty over life’s events.

For people suffering from problem gambling, the reward pathway in the brain becomes rewired to seek out short term pleasure and avoid painful experiences. This is particularly true for those who use the activity to escape from boredom or stress. The end result is a vicious cycle that can have devastating social costs. There is a growing need for evaluation of patients’ gambling behaviors within primary care settings to identify those at risk for addictive disorders.