A gambling addiction is an illness that affects a person’s ability to control their behavior. It is characterized by an intense craving for the thrill of risk-taking and an inability to stop gambling. People with this disorder can suffer from depression, anxiety and stress. They may also experience financial problems and a decline in family relationships. In some cases, they can even become homeless. The number of people with gambling disorders is rising. Therefore, it is important for health professionals to screen for and treat this condition.

Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value. This includes betting on football games, horse races and scratchcards. It is important to note that a lot of people gamble, but only a small proportion of them win.

In addition, gambling can also lead to social isolation. Consequently, it is important to have a good support network in place when trying to overcome this problem. It is a good idea to talk about your gambling habits with someone who can listen without judgement, such as a friend or family member. Alternatively, you can try a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. This program is modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous and has a twelve-step recovery model.

It is also a good idea to seek help for any underlying mood disorders that may be contributing to or making gambling worse. Depression, anxiety and stress can all be triggers for gambling addictions and can make it difficult to resist the urge to gamble. Getting professional treatment for these disorders can help to reduce gambling-related problems and improve overall quality of life.

Another important issue to consider when tackling a gambling addiction is the fact that it denies the biblical work ethic which links honest labour with reward. This can encourage laziness, which is condemned in the Bible (e.g., Proverbs 6:27). It can also detract from the glory of God. It is therefore not surprising that mainstream Christian belief has always regarded gambling as incompatible with Scripture. This was the view held by Tertullian, Hugh Latimer and John Wesley, among others. It is also the view held by many Evangelicals and other Protestant denominations today.