Religion still plays a vital role in the modern world. Most people still identify as religious or hold to some spiritual beliefs. Besides maintaining spirituality, most people still understand the role of religion in morality and their stand on most issues, such as gambling.
Notably, religion has also played a crucial role in helping addicts turn their lives around. For this reason, consultants from Australia’s Rocket Casino spoke to us, and they had some views on religion and addiction.
Various Religion Views on Gambling
Gambling is a moral issue that most religions do not shy about expressing their opinions. Though it is now a legal practice in most countries, it is still a heavily regulated industry. Over the last few decades, gambling has continued to grow as many people join try their luck in various games.
On the flip side, gambling addiction has also increased. The main groups to speak out against this practice are religious organizations. Most world religions do not encourage this practice.
Christianity and Gambling
In the past, most Christians believed gambling was an outright moral sin. However, after the legalization of the practice, it is now not a criminal activity. Gambling is now a glamorous activity in the world.
Additionally, the Bible has very few texts that address gambling. Since the Bible does not outrightly state gambling is a sin, it is now a critical discussion area in Christianity.
In most areas around gambling, Christians apply several biblical principles as a guide. It considers medical, social and emotional aspects.
In Roman Catholic, gambling is not a sin unless it causes harm. Becoming a gambling addict is also a sin. Some churches, such as the Methodist, strongly condemn gambling. It also urges Christians to help those who are addicted.
Generally, Christians find fault in gambling because of the resulting ills. These include addiction, trusting another deity (Lady Luck), promoting materialism and love for money and other views that gambling causes.
Muslims and Gambling
Unlike Christianity, gambling is considered an outright sin in the Koran. It is not a simple pastime activity that a Muslim can engage in. The Koran condemns gambling alongside alcohol abuse. It identifies it as a social disease that is addictive and can destroy the family and personal lives.
The religion prohibits betting, lottery or any other games of chance. However, some Muslim scholars allow playing games such as cards, backgammon, cards and dominoes, but they should not involve gambling. Muslims encourage earning money through honest gains.
Other Religions and Gambling
Apart from those two religions, other religious organizations also hold strong rules on gambling. In the Jewish religion, it is prohibited to gamble professionally, for personal gain or compulsively. The Hindu religion also warns against gambling, which can lead to negative consequences. The Buddhist teachings also speak against gambling dangers.
How Religion Views Prevents Gambling Addiction
In addition to discussing the various religious views on gambling, the consultants also spoke about how these views affect gambling addiction. First, by prohibiting gambling or warning people about the ills that can arise, many religious people avoid being addicted to the habit.
Many religious people also avoid compulsive gambling behaviour. Players who choose to gamble are also protected from developing gambling-related problems. According to studies, religious players have lower levels of problem gambling severity. This study covered both male and female gamblers.
Notably, since most religions prohibit this behaviour, most people do not attempt to go down this path. Hence, they are protected from knowing if they can become pathological gamblers.
Can Religion Intensify a Gambling Addiction?
During the interview, another less-discussed question arose: Can religion worsen one’s gambling addiction? In this issue, the consultants discussed the issue of gamblers who have religious and spiritual struggles.
Notably, religious struggles are also prevalent in society. Some people struggle with having negative emotions towards a deity. These internal conflicts can lead to apathy and struggle between what they know to be right and wrong. Furthermore, others can struggle with feeling purposeless and lacking meaning. Such conflicts have been known to lead to mental health.
This overall drive can increase stress, making gamblers intensify their habits. Being unable to abstain from the perceived vice can worsen the problem. Guilt and shame, which are feelings that accompany a gambler when they revert to the habit, can also be a barrier to treatment. It’s worth noting that comprehensive study in the area of people who struggle with religion and spirituality and its link to addiction is still lacking.
Moreover, religion can prevent an addict from seeking help. In religions that explicitly ban gambling, an addict can hide his addiction which can worsen the situation.
Role of Religion in Gambling Addiction Recovery
The 12-steps used in Gambling Anonymous are borrowed from Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. These meetings emphasize a strong connection between breaking the addiction to faith and other religious values. Using faith and religion is still a strong practice in modern medical practice when helping people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Faith is a positive factor in helping people battle addictions and recover. Unsurprisingly, the same principles are now being applied to help gamblers fight their addictions.
Though gambling addiction can cause shame and affect a religious person from seeking help, it’s worth noting that many organizations assist whenever a person asks. If a person acknowledges they have a problem, many religious leaders are well equipped to deal with it.
These religious leaders provide rehabilitation resources. Some religions, such as Buddhism, Muslim, Christianity and others, encourage meditation and prayer. These coping mechanisms help gamblers when they feel overwhelmed or tempted.
Additionally, they give one a positive outlook when going through hard times. As a result, they address gambling cravings.
Religious Community for Support
Religious avenues offer the best form of support for addicts. Addicts are advised to find a community where they can be accountable and form healthy habits. If one is new in a place and struggles with a sense of belonging, it can be challenging, especially in large cities.
Churches, Mosques and other religious meeting points offer one an instant community of like-minded individuals. Most of these organizations also offer regular weekly meetings for addicts. Problem gamblers can obtain strength in these local meetings. These meetings also encourage openness and understanding. As a result, gambling addicts can share their issues in an environment of trust. Religious people are also helpful and can go out of their way to help one recover.
Rocket Casino Australia consultants also noted that religious organizations are crucial in reinforcing good money habits. For example, Christianity notes that the love of money is the root of evil. It can help gamblers abstain from temptation. Religious values of honesty can also keep a gambling addict from telling lies. In this case, he may have a better chance of maintaining the treatment.
Though many Australian online casino operators would have a problem with the activism from religious organizations, they also benefit from it. These groups help steer the community morally, leading to the avoidance of issues such as gambling addiction. When addiction occurs, they are willing to work with the affected person until they recover.
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