Kenny Roger’s classic song, “The Gambler,” warns a young man:

You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away and know when to run
You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealing’s done.

Sadly, an increasing number of Americans don’t have anything to count when the dealing is done. They didn’t walk away, let alone run. Their money is gone, credit cards are maxed out, 401(k)s are drained, no additional credit is available, and their marriages and jobs are at risk. Disaster left them no choice but to fold.

A few statistics offer a wake-up call.

Nearly 20 million Americans have gambling problems or are at risk. According to the National Council on Problem Gaming, two million adults in the U.S. meet severe gambling criteria. Another 4 million to 6 million American adults have mild or moderate problems.

High-risk age groups range from 18 to 55, whereas people over 55 appear less at risk. An alarming number of youngsters are enticed by gambling beginning as early as age 12. Among high school students, 10% to 14% are in the risk zone. That equates to over 500,000 adolescents.

In 2023, U.S. bettors gambled $264 billion. A 2024 survey of 3,200 gambling addicts on QuitGamble.com showed that 76% of American problem gamblers play slot machines, while 24% bet on athletic events. Sports betting is expanding rapidly with its legalization in many states. 

The rate of gambling addiction among men is 1.5 to 2 times greater than among women. For problem gamblers, the suicide rate is 15 times higher than the general population. Sixty percent of problem gamblers smoke and 26% are alcoholics.

As shepherds of God’s flock, pastors, ministers, and other spiritual leaders need to be educated about the addictive nature of gambling and prepared to minister to those who suffer with it. Indeed, the legalization, availability, and attractiveness of enticing, quick-win gambling platforms suggests that all believers must take seriously the predictable consequences of problem gambling.

The best place to start is with Scripture, of course. See the Assemblies of God position paper, “A Biblical Perspective on Gambling,” at AG.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Gambling/, for example.

This article outlines a few thoughts to help prepare spiritual leaders for ministry to problem gamblers.

Why Gambling Is Addictive

Gambling disorder is the only non-substance addiction listed in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Pastors, ministers, and other spiritual leaders can help struggling believers by educating themselves about the problems of gambling addiction.

A person with gambling disorder needs to bet with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same thrill. They eventually find it impossible to control, cut back, or stop gambling and feel restless or irritable when attempting to reduce their betting.

Gambling is used to escape problems. It preoccupies the mind, and the person constantly plans gambling activities. Eventually they continue wagering to chase lost money by increased gambling. They lie, hide, and risk losing important relationships or employment because of gaming.

Problem gambling typically begins with the original win, which results in a dopamine “hit.” Pleasure neurochemicals rush to the pleasure center of the brain. Like other drugs, this release produces a euphoria which seeks to be repeated. The emotional attachment from this pleasure bond clouds judgment. Pride and strong emotions lead to increasing amounts of money being spent. Then, predictably, when the winnings stop the person begins to chase their losses.

Let’s explore how this predictable path occurs.

The Biology of Reward

The brain contains over 300 types of neurochemicals, yet we only know how a fraction of them work, despite advances in neuroscience.

God designed our bodies to seek and be rewarded by activities that help our survival. Such things as hunger, thirst, sex, and nurturing are all part of the brain’s reward system. We become attached (bonded) to things that bring pleasure and avoid those causing pain.

The brain’s biology is stimulated when the reward circuit is activated. When satiated, we are rewarded and then repeat the behavior. The brain’s neurology involves major neurochemicals such as dopamine, endogenous opioids, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

There is only one brain-reward center. It is lit up and activated by both substances and the rush of anticipation, fantasy, and reward of quick gambling wins. However, as losses mount, the behavior changes to chasing the losses and getting back to even.

Gambling hijacks the brain’s reward system and taps into the shortcut for a big win with little effort. It also spouts into selfishness and narcissism. The gambler feels they are the smartest person in the room and can beat the system. Rational thought becomes highly distorted. Embarrassment, fear, and shame lead to hiding, denial, and other secretive behaviors.

Wagering taps into all three modes of compulsive behavior: arousal (anticipation), fantasy (distorted thinking), and relaxation (brain reward). All three reinforce irrational behavior.

In gambling, the excitement of the win along with the chasing of the losses quickly combine to be a bondage, often with devastating consequences. Then, enticed by the fantasy of a quick win, one finds themself returning to the stimulation.

Betting industry advocates tout it as “harmless” and “victimless,” but it can become a life controlling idol. They are not stupid and know if they can entice someone with early wins, a person can become hooked. Over time, the brain chemistry is activated even before one is aware.

As with other strong attachments (e.g., pornography), the beginnings are small. Curiosity leads to experimentation. However, within a relatively short time gambling becomes regular, habitual, and even addictive. To think that one can escape the predictable consequences is foolish indeed and a matter of selfish pride.

What to Do Now

The best defense is always a good offense.

First, a gambler must be honest and admit the attraction. Then avoid the address.

Finding a prayer partner and seeking the help of a Christian recovery group (Celebrate Recovery or Gambler’s Anonymous) is essential.

Temptation should be anticipated. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,  he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

The way out requires seeking a deep and intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. One shouldn’t depend on willpower alone. Will is necessary but not sufficient to overcome the attachment to gambling.

Pastors, ministers, and other spiritual leaders can help struggling believers by educating themselves about the problems of gambling addiction. And churches should consider starting or hosting a ministry, such as Celebrate Recovery or Gamblers Anonymous.

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We are embodied persons whom God created to be attached to the sources of our pleasure. First and foremost, He designed us to be bonded to himself as our highest source of satisfaction.

Don’t be ignorant of the enemy of our souls. He builds strongholds in secrecy and enforces them by silence. Break the silence! Break the strongholds!

Satan seeks to blind us from the consequences of sin. To combat sin, we must expose it to light and to grace. Someone needing help should seek out a friend — a “pain partner” who will support, love, confront, and ask the hard questions.

The problem of gambling is not going away. We need godly, holy leaders to teach our parishioners when to walk away … and when to run!

And always remember: The Lord is with us. We can bet our lives on that!

This article appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Called to Serve, the minister’s letter of the Assemblies of God.