Borrowing to gamble.

The bet might lose. The repayment still exists.

That applies to a credit card, an overdraft, money borrowed from a friend, or an advance you’ll owe back. Interest and fees can add to the cost, but a loan doesn’t need interest to create a problem.

Borrowing separates the moment of gambling from the moment you have to pay for it. That can make an unaffordable bet feel temporarily possible.

If you need a win to repay someone, a loss increases the pressure to keep betting. The debt and the next wager can become tied together.

A useful firm rule is not to fund gambling with borrowed money. If it has already happened, get help dealing with the repayment. Another uncertain result is not a dependable repayment plan.