See why believers must not involve themselves in gambling

For many people, gambling is harmless fun, but it can become a problem. This type of compulsive behavior is a often called “problem gambling.”

A gambling addiction is a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical and social repercussions. It is classed as animpulse-control disorder.

It is included in the American Psychiatric Association (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5).

The problem with gambling is that it is harmful to psychological and physical health. People who live with this addiction may experience depression, migraine, distress, intestinal disorders, and other anxiety-related problems.

As with other addictions, the consequences of gambling can lead to feelings of despondency and helplessness. In some cases, this can lead to attempts at suicide.

The rate of “problem gambling” has risen globally over the last few years. In the United States in 2012, around 5.77 million people had a gambling disorder that needed treatment because of its harmful consequences, gambling addiction has become a significant public health concern in many countries.

Gambling is not a financial problem, but an emotional problem that has financial consequences.

It also impacts the way in which the person with the disorder relates to his or her family and friends. For instance, they may miss important events in the family, or they might miss work.

Anyone who is concerned about their gambling might ask “Can I stop if I want to?” If the answer is “no,” it is important to seek help.

Gambling among Nigeria

The sight of young men and sometimes, older ones, gathering and craning their necks to pick numbers or monitor sporting events is uncommon in the country. The prevailing economic situation has forced many into patronising betting and lotto companies. There is hardly any street in that you don’t find Baba Ijebu, otherwise known as Premier Lotto kiosks and those of betting companies like Bet Naija among others.

So, a lot of Nigerians have resorted to gambling as a way of cushioning the effect of the economy situation in the country. Irrespective of their religious background, young men and even ladies occasionally check their bet slips to confirm if they predicted well or not. But many gamblers don’t think gambling is morally wrong.

Is it appropriate for Christians to gamble?

A tax expert who gave his name as Sunday Emmanuel from ungodly to participate in any form of gambling. “First , the mechanism is wrong. It is based on luck and not on divine provision, and  it breeds greed”, he said.

For  Dayo Owoeye, choir member and businessman, when a Christian gambles, “he is saying God cannot meet all his needs. He doesn’t have a complete belief in God and if he doesn’t stop, it could destroy him”, he said.

“A Christian lifestyle is one that expresses faith in loving care and provision of Almighty God, not in chance or luck, said Paul Ayeola,  a Christian writer.  She  stressed that Christians are expected  to love their  neighbours and  not to profit from a loss by someone else, to avoid every form of greed and covetousness and to be content what they have.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. As Christians, we are to realize that everything we possess has been given in stewardship by God and should only be used in a way that honours God.

According to Paul, gambling is   bad because it is motivated by greed as gambling institutions make money quickly and accomplish their goal well. “So, promoters gambling is a lucrative business. The goal of the gambling industry is not merely to get money; any businessman has that goal, because he needs money to live.

“With mega-gambling casinos throughout the world, the popularity of online gambling and poker playing, gambling problems have become a major addiction this gambling addiction problems are severe addictions that have many consequences for the life of a gambler and his or her family”. he noted.

Paul noted that a gamblers addiction can progress rapidly, resulting in emotional, financial and social devastation in ways that can be considered irreparable. Accordingly, he said a person who struggles with gambling addiction should seek help immediately.