Gambling

Gambling is a compulsive behavior. It is driven by a desire for pleasure just as any other addiction is. It's not so much about the actual winning as it is about the thrill. There is a certain appeal to people, to know how slim their odds are, but have that chance to win. 

The obvious problem, is that this addiction often gets people into trouble. People devote significant portions of their incomes to that chance to win. The lure of making the jackpot tempts people to keep playing. This in turn often creates marital problems. 

Most often a deeper issue is going on here. Those that are prone to gamble are inherently compulsive individuals, willing to try things without regard to consequences. They lack self disciple and control. This is a problem with all addictions, but gambling often manifests in an extreme way because that compulsive behavior is combined with greed. This is why gambling and crime are so often associated. Gamblers tend to branch out into other addictions, looking for the easy route. Where is the easy money?  Betting on races? Getting involved in a drug deal? Money laundering? Where is the easy sex?  Gambling can easily grow into other areas of life, and marital problems are a frequent result. Why do they try to hide their problem?  It's because they know it's a destructive behavior and they are unwilling to acknowledge it and change. 

If you have a desire to gamble, pray to God that your heart can be changed and that you can overcome that desire. If your spouse has this problem, pray for help and strength. Nothing worth obtaining was ever obtained by chance, everything worth obtaining is acquired through hard work and determination.