140421 P Gambling’s Godless Grip – Part 4 of 6

A GOD-SHAPED LOOK  AT THE ADDICTIVE NATURE OF SIN  *** Gambling’s Godless Grip *** Gambling What Is It? Gamble comes from the old English word “gammon” which carries with it the idea of a game.  “To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest or games to play a game of chance for stakes. Taking a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or a benefit.” AHD  Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV) 10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Gambling:Highly Addictive Activity  ADDICTION:•CHEMICAL•PSYCHOLOGICAL•Gambling is a psychological addiction.•Pathological gambling is considered a major addiction with the same life wrecking potential as cocaine! ²America Has Become A Nation Of Gamblers Once confined to Atlantic City, Las Vegas     & Reno, now gambling is legal in 48 states.²Casinos run full tilt in 24 states.²Almost 100 million Americans bet $400 Billion last year.²Approximately one in five pathological gamblers attempts suicide, a rate higher   than that for any other addictive disorder.²One study estimated that US problem gamblers owe, on average, between $55,000 and $90,000. ²Another reported that 90 percent of problem gamblers use their credit cards to play. One study estimated that US problem gamblers owe, on average, between $55,000 and $90,000. Another reported that 90 percent of problem gamblers use their credit cards to play.²The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has estimated that one in five problem gamblers attempt to kill themselves, about twice the rate of other addictions.