The world calls it "gaming," but the destructive effects of addictive gambling are no game.  Like drugs, alcohol or any other addiction, gambling usually starts small and progresses in steps.

A typical progression may go like this:

1.  A sports getting pool starts in the workplace, and a person enters it just to go along.  But, an occasional small win creats the itch to win again.

2.  State lottery tickets, accessible in a nearby convenience store, promise bigger winnings.  A few tickets do not cost much.  But more and more tickets increase the chances.  They can be painlessly charged on credit card.

3.  On-line gamblins is a convenient way to continue the craving in secret.  Mounting loses far exceed those illusive winnings.  Nevertheless, the allure grows.  (Addictive behavior is never rational.)

4.  Flashy ads for a nearby casino promise "more winners more often."  Again large loses erase occasional wins.  But the gambler keeps going back, thinking, "My luck is about to change."  (Studies show that gambling addiction dramatically increases within a 50 mile radius of where a casino locates.)

5.  The addicted gambler begs and borrows, even steals, money from every source possible to feed the habit.  Bills pile up, and the checkbook cannot balance.  The family starts asking questions.  The covert gambler must lie to the family to cover for the unexplained debt.  Further questions only enrage the gambler.

6.  The compulsive gambler obsesses on the thought that one big win will solve these problerms.  (This is a ruinous idea.  It prevents the pathological gambler from seeking help.)

7.  The hopeless gambler thinks of extreme measures to conceal the secret.  To avoid public discovery and embarrassment the gambler may consider . . . divorce . . . or even killing family members who by now know what the problem is . . . or suicide.  What started as "harmless" entertainment now jeopardizes the whole family.

The Bible teaches many principles that should convict a gambler's heart:

• I Timothy 6:6-10 - Contentment is great gain.  Love of money is destructive.
• Philippians 4:12-13 - Contentment trusts Christ for help in all things.
• Colossians 3:5 - Greed is idolatry.
• Matthew 6:24-33 - You cannot serve God and money.  Only God provides all our needs.
• Philippians 4:19 - God blesses giving, not covetousness.
• Matthew 25: 14-30 - God expects good management of our resources.
• Proverbs 12:11 - Work produces food.  Chasing fantasies lacks judgment.
• Proverbs 21:25-26 - Slothfulness craves for more, but ends in death.
• II Thessalonians 3:10 - If a man does not work he should not eat.
• I Timothy 5:8 - A man who does not provide for his family is worse than an infidel.
• Proverbs 16:18-19 - Pride goes before destruction.

If you are a gambler, do not be too proud to ask for help: 
                                                  513-539-9584, or www.gamblersanonymous.org