Gambling and Spirituality

Gambling has roots in many of the world’s religions and has served as a way for people to seek advice from the gods for centuries. Tossing the reeds in ancient Chinese temples, rolling the dice among ancient Greeks and the casting of lots to determine land allotments in the Bible are just a few examples.

The mind-set surrounding gambling and religious attitudes varies greatly across the different religions from strict prohibition of any form of gambling to a general acceptance. Each religious stance is based upon the religious foundation and the leadership within that specific institution. The attitudes towards gambling are shaped by the interpretation of their Holy Scriptures, tradition and cultural influences. A point of commonality is that gambling behavior has been a consistent presence in many religious cultures throughout history.

Religious leaders of all faiths have a unique opportunity to educate their followers about issues that are affecting their communities. Problem gambling is an important issue that is often overlooked. As with other issues impacting today’s society, problem gambling impacts the Spiritual life for the gambler and often their family and friends.

Some of the signs that gambling may be a problem include:

	Increasing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, crime, and suicidal thoughts
	Loss of self worth, spiritual well-being, health, relationships, and financial stability

There are several ways the Spiritual Community can address Problem Gambling:

	Request pastors/priests to preach sermons on the topic of problem gambling
	Educate the faith communities’ youth on the risk factors and signs of problem gambling and how to access help
	Organize an Interfaith forum with a speaker knowledgeable on the topic of problem, gambling
	Write an article in a weekly church bulletin or newsletter
	Utilize a church/congregation bulletin board to post educational materials about problem gambling
	Include the Problem Gambling Helpline number on appropriate religious materials
	Incorporate problem gambling into any existing substance abuse education and awareness programs
	Host Gambler’s Anonymous (GA) and/or Gam-Anon meetings

For more information on problem gambling and how you can support your community, please contact CCPG at 203-453-0138.