In recent years, sports betting has expanded across America, and it’s mostly been promoted as harmless entertainment — or even an easy source of state tax revenue. But a growing body of research shows sports betting carries serious social costs. Christians need to understand what is at stake when it comes to gambling on sports.
The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that “the rate of gambling problems among sports bettors is at least twice as high as among gamblers in general.” When sports gambling is conducted online, that rate is goes higher.
Sports betting also hurts communities. Research has shown a strong connection between gambling problems and higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Families often suffer when a loved one is ensnared by gambling problems. That’s bad for everybody.
Scripture warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Sports betting thrives on greed.
Christians have a responsibility to care about our neighbors enough to oppose sports betting and the harm that it causes. We also need to promote contentment, integrity, and holy living. Otherwise, problem gambling will simply hurt more and more innocent people in our communities.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
