Earlier this month, the first hints of fall weather ushered in the kickoff of NFL season. For decades, American football has easily secured the trophy for America’s favorite sport uniting family and friends around the love of the game.
Growing Danger
But what once was a harmless pastime has, in recent years, become a source of unexpected danger for fans and families. As internet options make gambling more accessible than ever, sports betting poses a serious hazard for football enthusiasts and for casual viewers. As fans watch their favorite teams or go online for coverage, they are constantly bombarded by ads like this one from FanDuel:
“Bet $3 and get $300 in bonus bets. Quick, easy, and a great way to add excitement to your everyday!”
Doesn’t that sound like harmless fun? The truth is, millions are saying “yes”—and the numbers keep growing. In 2018, after the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports gambling, the money spent on sports betting amounted to $6.6 billion. By 2024, it soared to nearly $149 billion, with operators pocketing $13.6 billion.[i] FanDuel isn’t just being nice.
A Christian Response to Sports Betting
So what do we say to those who argue sports betting is simply another form of entertainment? God’s Word shows us that the real problem comes down to love—both a misguided love and a lack of love.
- Misguided Love for Money– Gambling fuels greed and distorts risk. Scripture warns,“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:9–10). Gambling fosters an unhealthy obsession with money. While money is certainly a necessary and useful thing, gambling encourages a love of money that seeks gain without considering the cost. Furthermore, rather than encouraging trust in God’s provision hard work, gambling seeks quick gain without labor (Prov. 13:11).
- Lack of Love for Others– Gambling thrives only when others lose.“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:4). The gambling industry intentionally causes ruin to its users. In addition, gambling undermines family finances. Gamblers often burn through life savings and family finances displaying a lack of care and provision for their own families. Sports betting exploits the vulnerable, destroys families, and corrupts the very games God intended for joy.
What Can We Do?
As the gambling industry targets younger and younger audiences, churches and parents must warn against and educate on the dangers of this foolish waste of God-given resources.
We can warn and educate by . . .
- Teaching stewardship and warning against the love of money. The cure to the dangers of gambling is finding contentment in Christ. When young people are taught to work hard, spend wisely, love God above all else, and be content, they will be far less likely to fall prey to the allure of gambling.
- Exposing the lie that betting is harmless entertainment. Gambling is a foolish waste of money that affects more than just the gambler. With a few simple clicks, $3 can easily turn into this week’s grocery money, next month’s rent, the family’s savings account, or a lifetime of credit card debt. Click here to read more about the dangers of gambling.
- Shepherding those caught in gambling addiction, perhaps by starting a recovery group. We should also seek to love and help the families of those trapped in gambling addictions.
The cultural snare of sports betting and gambling addictions deserves our utmost attention and vigilance. As we enjoy the touchdowns, friendly rivalries, and watch parties, may we also work to protect ourselves and those around us from the destructive effects of sports gambling.
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