I’m thankful for your honesty, and for your concern to warn others not to fall into the same trap you have. The best way to avoid any trap is to be forewarned, and to keep away from it in the first place.

But I’m very concerned for you and your family, because you’re on a path that can only lead to misery — and you need to get off it as soon as possible. Frankly, you have all the signs of being addicted to gambling — just as surely as if you were addicted to drugs or alcohol or any other destructive habit. Simply being sorry for the mess you’ve gotten in won’t be enough. You need help — and the sooner the better. Your pastor or other knowledgeable professional can suggest programs in your area to help you overcome this problem.

But you also need God. He can give you a new direction and purpose in life, and He can give you the strength to resist the pull of this habit as you submit your life to His presence. Begin by confessing your sins and your need for His help, and then ask Christ to cleanse you and come to live within you by His Spirit.

Don’t let pride, or a desire for excitement, or anything else keep you from Christ. Satan wants to defeat you, but God’s Word is true: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).