Southern Baptist Church Votes To Condemn Sports Betting And Ban Porn
At the recent Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), a significant resolution was passed condemning sports betting, alongside strong stances against online pornography, same-sex marriage, and abortion. This marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first time the SBC has explicitly denounced sports betting—a practice long opposed by the church since the 19th century.
The SBC’s resolution highlights a concern that the sports betting industry “fosters a culture of greed while specifically exploiting and preying upon young adults, the impoverished, and those with addictive personalities.” With a membership base of approximately 13 million across the United States, including influential figures like Senator Ted Cruz, the SBC’s position carries substantial weight in national discussions surrounding gambling.
### The Expanding Landscape of Sports Betting
The reversal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 has drastically transformed the sports betting industry, leading to a surge in both participation and revenue. Since the ruling, American bettors have wagered over $500 billion, with sportsbooks generating a record $13.6 billion in revenue last year—almost doubling the $7.6 billion reported in 2022. As states continue to legalize sports betting, Missouri is set to launch its market later this year, leaving only a few states without legal options for sports wagering.
Church leaders are increasingly voicing concerns about the implications of this growth on American values and ethics. As noted by Kyle Worley, a Southern Baptist pastor from Texas, “Gambling is not a new temptation, but the advent of online sports gambling significantly raises the stakes. Christian leaders must seriously address the moral and theological dimensions of this issue.”
### The Role of Technology in Gambling Accessibility
Pastor Worley also expressed alarm over the convenience that smartphones afford gamblers, enabling easy access to online casinos and sportsbooks. “The ubiquity of online sports betting, bolstered by sponsorships in broadcasts and sports media, creates an environment where gambling feels almost innocuous. With just a few taps on a smartphone, individuals can register and start wagering, often under the guise of entertainment,” he stated.
This ease of access has contributed to staggering financial losses. In the past year alone, Americans lost over $40 billion on gambling activities, with unregulated platforms potentially adding as much as $67 billion in losses. This could bring the cumulative total of gambling losses well over $100 billion.
### A Broader Moral Stance
In conjunction with its condemnation of sports betting, the SBC’s resolution also called for bans on online pornography, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Such comprehensive opposition reflects a broader strategy aimed at preserving traditional values among its congregation and the wider community.
In summary, the SBC’s recent actions and statements underscore a significant moral viewpoint within the evolving landscape of gambling and societal norms. As the sports betting industry continues to experience remarkable growth, these debates will likely intensify, compelling both industry leaders and faith-based organizations to engage in meaningful discourse on the ethical implications of gambling.
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#### About the Author
Adam Roarty is a seasoned writer with extensive expertise in the gambling industry. With five years of experience crafting content for platforms such as Oddschecker, CoinTelegraph, and Gambling Industry News, he possesses a deep understanding of sports betting and online gambling landscapes. Adam focuses on emerging stories including prediction markets, evolving legislation, and sweepstakes trends in the dynamic world of betting in the United States.
