Gambling Away Your Paycheck

Gambling is portrayed as a fun recreational activity that also provides needed public funding for education or other worthy causes. It is deceptively framed as good for society, but at its core gambling is a morally wretched vice. – Clint Decker

“Until my mid-30s, I went to casinos every now and then, maybe once a year. It was fun. But then…” This is the story of a single mom with two kids who was working as a medical professional but had a severe gambling problem. She managed to do it okay until a life crisis, then she started gambling more. Then with the rush of an occasional win, she would go deeper. (Image by Freepik)

During her lowest points, she writes, “I spent a six-figure court settlement in the span of three months and lived in seven places in less than a year. I dated men and essentially had sex for money so that I could continue to gamble. It got to the point where every time I drove back to the casino, I’d think about ways I could hurt myself. The wanting to die consumed me. I thought, ‘If I win, I’ll live. If I don’t, then I can always commit suicide.’ I tried to commit suicide three times.”

Nerd Wallet found that in 2023, 62% of Americans engaged in some form of gambling. In 2024, people forked out $172 billion dollars of their paychecks and retirement savings at casinos, on sports betting, scratch-off lottery tickets and other forms of gambling. Today, the scale of gambling is at a level like never before due to technology and public acceptance.

The gambling industry in partnership with government and business conspired together to produce a masterful public relations strategy. Together they portray gambling as a fun recreational activity that also provides needed public funding for education or other worthy causes. Consequently, it is deceptively framed as good for society, so it is given more access and acceptability. And through it all, the church remains silent.

On the surface it all seems innocent, but at its core gambling is a morally wretched vice. This evil is built on a flashy, well-orchestrated scheme of stealing. Mesmerized by the “get-rich-quick” idea, gamblers give the card dealer, the convenience store clerk or the online website their hard-earned money in return for a false hope, or an occasional jackpot.

This devilish vice is destroying millions of lives. One report I read stated that gambling costs the American economy $14 billion dollars annually, that includes court and healthcare costs along with credit losses to businesses due to gamblers unpaid debts and more. Additionally, gambling can lead to job losses, bankruptcies, fraud, depression, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse. Do you get the picture? Ask any family member of someone who has a gambling problem if they think gambling is just a harmless recreational activity that is for the good of the economy and jobs.

The Scripture is spot on when it comes to gambling saying, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10). The love of money drives this evil of gambling, and its misplaced love has caused people to wander away from their jobs, families and God.

Stop saying, “Just one more time,” or “Just a little bit more.” Admit you have a problem and need help. And the first person you need to go to, is God. He is waiting for you to turn to Him. He sent Jesus to die and rise again for you. However, your love for money and “the rush” from gambling has pushed Him aside. If things remain as they are, then one day you will have to answer to God for what you are doing. But there is still time, and according to His grace and mercy, He offers you forgiveness through the cross of His beloved Son. Receive Him now. Then after you do, look up Gamblers Anonymous to get the additional help you need.

A prayer for you – Lord God, open the eyes of the public to see the dangers of gambling. Let them see the harm it is doing to people’s lives. I pray as well for those caught in its grasp. Deliver them this day. Do a miracle and rescue someone from its tentacles through the power of Jesus. In His name. Amen.