12 Steps Gambling Addiction Christian Recovery

Finding freedom from gambling addiction is not a journey you have to walk alone. At Bet on Jesus Ministry, we believe that true and lasting recovery begins with acknowledging our struggles and allowing God to transform our hearts from the inside out.

This Christian 12-Step outline guides individuals through a Christ-centered journey of healing, accountability, and restoration. Each step is rooted in Scripture and draws us closer to Christ—the One who renews our minds and empowers us to live in freedom.

Whether you are beginning your recovery, supporting a loved one, or seeking deeper spiritual growth, these steps reflect our biblical principles on gambling and offer a clear path toward hope, surrender, and lasting transformation.

Gambling addiction is not an isolated struggle—it is part of the national gambling epidemic affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country.

Step 1

Admitting Powerlessness

We admit that we are powerless over gambling—that our lives have become unmanageable.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” — Romans 7:18 (ESV)

Step 2

Believing in a Power Greater Than Ourselves

We come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Step 3

Turning Our Will and Lives Over to God

We decide to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Step 4

Taking a Moral Inventory

We make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

“Let us examine and probe our ways and let us return to the Lord.” — Lamentations 3:40 (NASB)

Step 5

Admitting the Nature of Our Wrongdoings

We admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” — James 5:16 (ESV)

Step 6

Being Ready to Have God Remove All Defects of Character

We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 (ESV)

Step 7

Humbly Asking God to Remove Our Shortcomings

We humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Step 8

Making a List of Those We Have Harmed and Becoming Willing to Make Amends

We make a list of all the people we have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.

“So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift.” — Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV)

Step 9

Making Direct Amends to Those We Have Harmed

We make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31 (NIV)

Step 10

Continuing to Take Personal Inventory and Admitting When We Are Wrong

We continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7 (ESV)

Step 11

Seeking Through Prayer and Meditation to Improve Our Conscious Contact with God

We seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” — Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Step 12

Carrying the Message to Others and Practicing These Principles in All Our Affairs

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

Recovery is not a destination but a continual walk with God—one built on honesty, surrender, and daily reliance on His grace. As you move through these steps, remember that Jesus meets you exactly where you are and leads you forward with compassion, truth, and power.

If you are seeking ongoing guidance beyond the 12 steps, we encourage you to explore a Christian approach to gambling recovery rooted in grace, truth, and lasting transformation.

Gambling addiction often affects mental and emotional well-being. If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress or feelings of hopelessness, explore our mental health and suicide prevention resources for additional support.

You are not alone. Through Christ, healing is possible, hope is restored, and freedom is within reach.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

Every breakthrough starts with one brave step.

Recovery is not meant to be walked alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling addiction, emotional distress, or spiritual discouragement, Bet on Jesus is here to help.

We offer Christ-centered support, prayer, and trusted recovery resources to guide individuals and families toward healing and restoration.

You are not alone. Through Christ, freedom is possible, hope can be restored, and a new path forward can begin today.

Your message is private and read with care. We respond with grace and support, offering guidance rooted in faith—not professional diagnosis.

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please seek emergency help right away or contact your local crisis hotline. Immediate support is available 24/7.