Crazy Money! Gambling and Debt

It’s Crazy Money Day! 

An estimated 23 million Americans are in debt due to gambling. As many as 750,000 young people aged 14-21 are addicted to gambling. The average loss of casino addicts is around $55,000. That’s sad and crazy!

Addiction is evidenced by overly defensive behavior, compulsively borrowing money, and outbursts over gambling discussions. In addition, absences are common from work, meetings, family gatherings, or school. Despite the fact that casinos add revenue to communities, states, and federal government, there are social costs. If you invest in a successful company that’s making advances in medical technology, you’re putting your money into something that has intrinsic value: jobs are created, there are returns on your investment, and patients benefit from the products the company creates. It’s a win-win situation, but those who gamble and hit the jackpot, celebrate their win while ignoring the fact that others suffer loss, and that loss affects many others.

We’re called to wisely steward money, not dream about what we could win at gambling. The Bible says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10) Focus on laying up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Remember Proverbs 21:5: “Steady plodding brings prosperity, but hasty speculation brings poverty.”

Gambler or not, are you burdened with credit card debt? Christian Credit Counselors help. They’ll create a debt management plan specifically for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.