For some people gambling may be harmless fun, but addiction to it causes desperate situations. In the UK there are an estimated 430,000 adult problem gamblers. Availability of online betting, inadequate restrictions and penalties for exploitative promotion has also ensnared 55,000 11–16-year-olds.
CARE seeks stronger legislation to prevent this; to call the gambling industry properly to account, to protect vulnerable individuals from harm and support those whose lives have been torn apart by the effects of problem gambling.
1. People with a gambling problem
"It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up…I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. Is there no one who can do anything for me? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does." Romans 7:21-25 (The Message)
Father, we intercede for individuals and their families who are struggling with the consequences of a gambling addiction: financial problems, relationship breakdown, mental health issues and tragically, one suicide every day. May many find You, the one source of freedom, forgiveness and comfort, for deliverance from their pain and desperation. In Your mercy. Amen.
2. The gambling industry
"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honours him." Proverbs 14:31 (NLT)
God, we pray for a compulsory levy on this industry with its £15 billion annual profits to support people affected by gambling harms, improved staff training and ethical policies to dissuade people from betting recklessly. We ask for tighter controls on advertising on the media and at the many events that gambling companies sponsor, at venues and on players’ kit. Your will be done. Amen.
3. Staying Free
"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
Lord, please strengthen those who have recovered from a gambling problem. May they continue to resist any temptation to go back to it, finding good support for lasting recovery from the financial, health, relationship and employment losses that this addiction cost them, and by using blocking software and self-exclusion schemes such as ‘Gamstop’. By Your saving grace. Amen.
4. Online Gambling
"For the love of money [that is, the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically] is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10 (Amplified Bible)
Father, we remember the additional risks of gambling online, with over 2,400 UK online sites generating about £7 billion: the anonymity, secrecy, lack of accountability, unchecked spending, inducements to bet irresponsibly and fraudulent operators. We pray for much stronger legislation requiring robust age verification and other effective protective measures. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
5. High-street betting establishments
"Do not rob the poor because they are poor or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord pleads their cause." Proverbs 22:22-23 (NRSV)
God of justice, we pray for wise national and local government decisions about the disgraceful situation, with Britain’s thousands of betting shops and hundreds of arcades, casinos, bingo halls and casinos being ten times more likely to be in economically deprived areas, targeting people who can ill afford to gamble. May justice, wisdom and compassion prevail. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
6. Children at Risk
"Keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have." Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
Lord, we lift to You the increasing number of children and young people who are gambling with scratch cards, lottery tickets, private bets with friends, in betting establishments, online and in video games paying to open ‘loot boxes’ that offer them a chance to win. Please enable them to recognise the danger of becoming addicted and turn to what is truly valuable and satisfying. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
7. Help for problem gamblers and their families
"Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter…Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, 'How can I help?'" Romans 15:1 (The Message)
Father, thank You for all who work with the network of organisations that make up the National Gambling Treatment Service, and others who are reaching out to vulnerable adults and children at risk and the 430,000 people who are already ensnared by what is now recognised as a serious mental health issue. In Christ’s name. Amen.