A Christian Reflection on the Dangers of Sports Betting

Gambling, ,

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.

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Prohibiting Parlays, Protecting the Preborn (Plus Plenty More)

Current Events,
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Here’s a quick recap of the week’s top stories from Family Council and our friends:

From Family Council

From Prop Bets to Proper Rules, Here are Eight Ways Arkansas Could Stop Predatory Sports Betting: Nationwide, sports betting is now legal in 39 states — including Arkansas, where people wager an average of nearly $1.8 million on it every day. But a growing body of evidence shows sports betting is harmful. Here are eight examples of common sense steps the State of Arkansas could take to rein in out-of-control sportsbooks. Keep Reading.

Nearly Half of NCAA Basketball Players Harassed by Sports Bettors: A recent NCAA study found that 46% of Division I men’s basketball players reported harassment from bettors on social media. Keep Reading.

Florida Lawmakers Add Surrogacy Ban to Foreign Interference Measure: Unlike most nation’s, the United States has few restrictions on commercial surrogacy arrangements, and that means commercial surrogacy agencies are able to hire women to bear children for paying customers — some of whom may be overseas. But lawmakers in Florida recently proposed legislation that would prevent some foreign nationals from entering into commercial surrogacy agreements in their state. Read More.

Building a Culture of Life One Resolution at a Time: Family Council has created a free toolkit to assist anyone who is interested in securing passage of a pro-life resolution in Arkansas. Be a part of this growing movement and help your community pass a pro-life resolution! Keep Reading.

Safe Haven Baby Box Dedications set for Morrilton and Jacksonville March 9 & 10: The new surrender locations mark the 419th Safe Haven Baby Box in the nation and the 35th in Arkansas, expanding access to safe, anonymous surrender options for mothers in crisis. Keep Reading.

A Christian Reflection on the Dangers of Marijuana and THC: Marijuana and drugs made from THC have spread across the nation, and marijuana’s supporters often say these products are completely harmless. But the evidence tells a very different story. Keep Reading.

From Our Friends

Biden Administration Endangered Women With Abortion Pill Change, Research Finds. From Daily Citizen.

U.S. Rejects UN Document Sidestepping Biological Womanhood amid Global Gender Ideology Push. From The Washington Stand.

Assisted Suicide Becomes a Leading Cause of Death in Canada. From Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Building a Culture of Life One Resolution at a Time

Abortion, , , , ,

In 2021, Arkansas passed a law affirming that municipalities may adopt resolutions declaring themselves to be pro-life. The legislature updated the law in 2023 not only to acknowledge that municipalities may pass a pro-life resolution, but also counties, school districts, political subdivisions, and any other publicly governed entity like a fire district. To date, twenty three counties and fifteen municipalities have passed resolutions declaring themselves to be pro-life. This has been an excellent way to stand for life and affirm Arkansas’ rank as the most pro-life state in the nation. 

Some may inquire why these resolutions are necessary while others may ask what good they do. After all, a resolution is not legally binding, is not enforceable, and does not require anyone to do anything. But here are other questions to ask: Why shouldn’t they be passed? Isn’t messaging a huge part of changing the culture? 

Passing pro-life resolutions puts a stake in the ground by issuing a bold statement in support of life from local governments that reflects the convictions of thousands of pro-life Arkansans. For decades, pro-lifers have worked to defend the sanctity of life through advocacy, public policy, personal outreach, and compassionate support for women facing crisis pregnancies. One of the biggest goals of the pro-life movement is to win hearts and minds for the truth that life is valuable and worth protecting. As communities across Arkansas declare their pro-life stance, our state will continue to lead our nation in reducing the demand for abortion and in respecting the disabled and the elderly. A resolution follows the excellent laws that the state legislature has passed in Arkansas, and it also gives legislators backup and support from their district.

Though Arkansas is the most pro-life state in the nation, America still has many pro-abortion states. Passing pro-life resolutions in Arkansas may encourage other states to have their elected officials do the same.

If you have a passion for the cause of life and are looking for a way to spread awareness, please consider a pro-life resolution in your community. Contact your local government officials to begin the process. Help your local school district become the first to pass a pro-life resolution in the state! You can always reach out to our office and we would be happy to help provide guidance and connections in your pro-life efforts. 
Even though abortion is no longer legal in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother, it does not mean we should halt all efforts to protect life. Passing a pro-life resolution is a practical and unique way to make the case for the sanctity of life.

Family Council has created a free toolkit to assist anyone who is interested in securing passage of a pro-life resolution in Arkansas. Anyone who wants to begin efforts for the passage of a resolution should find this toolkit helpful. Be a part of this growing movement and help your community pass a pro-life resolution!

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