By Dr. Mark Creech
Christian Action League
February 2, 2024
Gambling entails the exchange of valuable assets solely based on chance – a practice not endorsed by Scriptural teachings. The New Testament’s perspective on labor, responsible stewardship, compassion for others, and the ethical exercise of influence unequivocally discourages engaging in gambling activities (II Thessalonians 3:10-12; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Corinthians 10:23; Galatians 5:13-14; Matthew 22:37; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Romans 1:29).
Today various forms of gambling have become legal, each carrying its own set of potential pitfalls and risk. The latest form of gambling to be legalized in North Carolina is sports gambling. In many ways, gambling taints everything it touches, and sports gambling is no exception. Below are ten concerns inevitably associated with sports betting.
- Sports Gambling Can Foster Addiction and Compulsive Behavior.
- Research has shown that sports gambling can be particularly addictive due to its easy accessibility and the excitement associated with it. A study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies in 2016 found that sports bettors were more likely to develop gambling problems compared to other types of gamblers.
- Research has shown that sports gambling can be particularly addictive due to its easy accessibility and the excitement associated with it. A study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies in 2016 found that sports bettors were more likely to develop gambling problems compared to other types of gamblers.
- Sports Gambling Can Lead to Serious Negative Financial Consequences.
- A landmark study, conducted by Oxford and Warwick universities, sheds light on the real-world impact of gambling on individuals’ financial well-being. It found that people who bet even relatively small sums were more likely to experience financial hardship and unemployment, while heavier gamblers had higher mortality rates. Specifically, those who spent 3.6% of their monthly outgoings on gambling were one-third more likely to miss a mortgage payment, 22% more likely to use an unplanned overdraft, and 19% more likely to take a payday loan.
- Government agencies, research organizations, and treatment centers often report on the financial problems associated with gambling. The findings demonstrate that many individuals end up losing more money than they can afford, which leads to debt, bankruptcy, and financial instability.
- A landmark study, conducted by Oxford and Warwick universities, sheds light on the real-world impact of gambling on individuals’ financial well-being. It found that people who bet even relatively small sums were more likely to experience financial hardship and unemployment, while heavier gamblers had higher mortality rates. Specifically, those who spent 3.6% of their monthly outgoings on gambling were one-third more likely to miss a mortgage payment, 22% more likely to use an unplanned overdraft, and 19% more likely to take a payday loan.
- Sports Gambling Can Take a Toll on Mental Health.
- Based on research conducted by the University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences, engaging in commercialized sports gambling may not only negatively impact an individual’s financial situation but also have adverse effects on their overall health. A survey conducted among adults in Massachusetts revealed that individuals who participate in sports betting had a higher incidence of problem gambling, specifically at a rate of 5.7%, compared to adults who partook in activities such as casino gambling, purchasing lottery and raffle tickets, or making private bets. Gamblers often experience highs and lows, with the stress of losing affecting their overall well-being.
- Based on research conducted by the University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences, engaging in commercialized sports gambling may not only negatively impact an individual’s financial situation but also have adverse effects on their overall health. A survey conducted among adults in Massachusetts revealed that individuals who participate in sports betting had a higher incidence of problem gambling, specifically at a rate of 5.7%, compared to adults who partook in activities such as casino gambling, purchasing lottery and raffle tickets, or making private bets. Gamblers often experience highs and lows, with the stress of losing affecting their overall well-being.
- Sports Gambling Can Advance Strained Familial Relationships.
- According to research from the University of Bristol, as outlined in “The Family Dynamics of Gambling Harms,” there is substantial evidence indicating that gambling-related issues have a detrimental impact on personal relationships and families at large. When gambling problems are present within a family, it raises the likelihood of relationship breakdown and leads to conflicts, primarily driven by a loss of trust. Sometimes, attempts to address these gambling-related issues can further escalate tensions between couples. In more severe cases, studies have revealed higher instances of victimization and perpetration of intimate partner violence among individuals with gambling problems, along with an increased risk of suicide among those affected by gambling problems, ultimately impacting their families profoundly.
- The same research from the University of Bristol also demonstrated that children within families where gambling issues were prevalent were especially susceptible to negative consequences. Findings indicated that the emotional or physical absence of a parent due to gambling problems could be just as detrimental to the parent-child relationship as it is to the relationship between the parents themselves. Additionally, there is compelling evidence suggesting that individuals with a family history of gambling problems face an increased risk of developing gambling problems of their own.
- According to research from the University of Bristol, as outlined in “The Family Dynamics of Gambling Harms,” there is substantial evidence indicating that gambling-related issues have a detrimental impact on personal relationships and families at large. When gambling problems are present within a family, it raises the likelihood of relationship breakdown and leads to conflicts, primarily driven by a loss of trust. Sometimes, attempts to address these gambling-related issues can further escalate tensions between couples. In more severe cases, studies have revealed higher instances of victimization and perpetration of intimate partner violence among individuals with gambling problems, along with an increased risk of suicide among those affected by gambling problems, ultimately impacting their families profoundly.
- Sports Gambling Can Increase Criminal Activity.
- Sports gambling facilitates problem gambling for many people and there is considerable evidence and documentation that individuals often resort to illegal activities to finance their gambling habits or settle gambling debts, including cases related to sports gambling.
- An article from Post-Crescent Media recounts examples of how regular, every day, law-abiding citizens turned into embezzling criminals when their gambling addictions drove them to do so. In one case, an employee embezzled a half of a million dollars to finance her gambling from the Wisconsin non-profit Goodwill Industries.
- In a study funded and published by the U.S. Department of Justice in July 2004, researchers examined individuals who had been apprehended in Las Vegas and Des Moines, Iowa. The findings revealed substantial links between gambling and criminal activities. Over 30 percent of individuals classified as pathological gamblers, who had been arrested in these cities, admitted to being involved in a robbery within the past year. This percentage was nearly double compared to those categorized as low-risk gamblers. Among those who had committed robberies, close to one-third disclosed that they did so to cover their gambling expenses or pay off gambling-related debts. Additionally, approximately 13 percent of respondents admitted to assaulting someone in order to obtain money for gambling.
- Sports gambling facilitates problem gambling for many people and there is considerable evidence and documentation that individuals often resort to illegal activities to finance their gambling habits or settle gambling debts, including cases related to sports gambling.
- Sports Gambling Can Be Problematic for Youth
- As per an investigative report from The Guardian, there is growing concern among counselors and clinicians that the United States is facing a significant rise in gambling addiction among young individuals, potentially leading to a crisis. This alarming trend has prompted calls for stricter regulations in the gambling industry. Treatment centers are struggling to cope with an increasing number of patients in their teens and early twenties seeking help for gambling addiction, while helplines are experiencing an unprecedented surge in calls related to this issue.
- Adolescents are engaging in online sports betting, even in states where it is either illegal for those under 21 or prohibited altogether, as per research conducted by the NCAA. The study, which surveyed individuals aged 18 to 22, discovered that 58% of participants had placed at least one bet this year. This finding raises concerns, according to the NCAA, because in several states such as Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, and Massachusetts, individuals must be at least 21 to participate in sports gambling. Alarmingly, nearly 70% of college students residing on campus admitted to betting. Moreover, among college students who engage in sports betting, slightly over 40% have placed wagers on their own school’s sports teams, as reported by the NCAA.
- Already, in North Carolina, reports show that 1 in 10 youth have a problem with gambling and another 15 to 20 percent are at risk of addiction.
- As reported by the Daily Mail, earlier studies have revealed that over 50% of 16-year-olds in the United Kingdom have gambling applications installed on their smartphones, which is two years prior to the legal age for placing bets.
- In line with a study conducted by the UK Gambling Commission, approximately 450,000 children between the ages of 11 and 16 engage in regular betting, surpassing the numbers of those who have experimented with drugs, smoking, or consuming alcohol.
- As per an investigative report from The Guardian, there is growing concern among counselors and clinicians that the United States is facing a significant rise in gambling addiction among young individuals, potentially leading to a crisis. This alarming trend has prompted calls for stricter regulations in the gambling industry. Treatment centers are struggling to cope with an increasing number of patients in their teens and early twenties seeking help for gambling addiction, while helplines are experiencing an unprecedented surge in calls related to this issue.
- Sports Gambling Can Facilitate Match Fixing and Corruption
- When money is involved, there is a risk that athletes, officials, or others may be tempted to manipulate the outcome of games or events.
- According to a report by the Des Moines Register, college athletics has a troubling history of betting scandals that have led to criminal charges. A notable case involves two key players from the 1994-95 Northwestern University Wildcats basketball team who were sent to prison after confessing to conspiracy to commit sports bribery. These players admitted to accepting money in exchange for deliberately underperforming, a practice known as “shaving points,” with the intention of ensuring that their team did not meet the point spread in specific games.
- Four players from NC State and two from UNC were paid by gamblers to “fix” a Dixie Classic game during the 1960-61 season. When the gamblers were unhappy about the point spread, they met the players from State outside of Reynold’s Coliseum, threatened their lives with guns, and demanded their money back.
- When money is involved, there is a risk that athletes, officials, or others may be tempted to manipulate the outcome of games or events.
- Sports Gambling Can Exacerbate Social and Economic Inequality
- As outlined in the European Journal of Public Health, there is a notable trend in gambling expenditure related to income. Typically, as income increases, so does gambling spending. However, individuals with lower incomes tend to allocate a relatively larger portion of their overall budget to gambling. Nonetheless, certain studies have shown that lower income groups in specific areas may exhibit higher absolute gambling expenditure. Furthermore, there’s a connection between problem gambling and lower personal and household income, possibly because those with limited financial resources find it harder to absorb gambling losses.
- Consequently, the financial hardships caused by gambling primarily affect those with fewer resources, placing the major burden of the economic consequences of gambling on them. This can potentially exacerbate social inequality and poverty, suggesting that gambling may contribute to widening these societal disparities.
- As outlined in the European Journal of Public Health, there is a notable trend in gambling expenditure related to income. Typically, as income increases, so does gambling spending. However, individuals with lower incomes tend to allocate a relatively larger portion of their overall budget to gambling. Nonetheless, certain studies have shown that lower income groups in specific areas may exhibit higher absolute gambling expenditure. Furthermore, there’s a connection between problem gambling and lower personal and household income, possibly because those with limited financial resources find it harder to absorb gambling losses.
- Despite Claims to the Contrary Sports Gambling May Lack Sufficient Regulation
- According to the Sports Business Journal, there has been a significant proliferation of permissive state legislation regarding sports gambling, far surpassing the implementation of adequate regulations. This unrestricted environment allows sports gambling retailers to employ deceptive and predatory promotional schemes to ensnare vulnerable individuals seeking quick financial gains. Promotions like “Bet $5 get $200 in free bets” by companies like DraftKings and FanDuel, while enticing at first glance, often mislead customers by providing refunds in the form of bonus credits or free bets with stringent terms and conditions. These promotions can encourage irresponsible gambling habits, leading to financial losses, and make it challenging for customers to withdraw any winnings. Furthermore, the similarity to the “first hit is free” strategy in the illicit drug trade raises concerns about the exploitative nature of these incentives in an industry known for its addictive potential and accessibility due to mobile wagering and technological advancements.
- Contrary to the claims of some legislators that sports gaming is already happening and that bringing it into the light helps to regulate it, the evidence sows otherwise. In fact, per a recent study conducted by the NCAA, the results highlighted the ongoing prevalence of illicit sports betting and the associated challenges: offshore sportsbooks, sham fantasy or sweepstakes entities, and local bookmakers persistently target susceptible individuals, providing them with opportunities to engage in sports gambling. What’s concerning is that these unlawful operators disregard crucial aspects like verifying age and identity, ensuring consumer safeguards, and promoting responsible gaming.
- According to the Sports Business Journal, there has been a significant proliferation of permissive state legislation regarding sports gambling, far surpassing the implementation of adequate regulations. This unrestricted environment allows sports gambling retailers to employ deceptive and predatory promotional schemes to ensnare vulnerable individuals seeking quick financial gains. Promotions like “Bet $5 get $200 in free bets” by companies like DraftKings and FanDuel, while enticing at first glance, often mislead customers by providing refunds in the form of bonus credits or free bets with stringent terms and conditions. These promotions can encourage irresponsible gambling habits, leading to financial losses, and make it challenging for customers to withdraw any winnings. Furthermore, the similarity to the “first hit is free” strategy in the illicit drug trade raises concerns about the exploitative nature of these incentives in an industry known for its addictive potential and accessibility due to mobile wagering and technological advancements.
- Sports Gambling Can Normalize and Promote a Risky Behavior
- The promotion of sports gambling contributing to its normalization is a commonly discussed topic in various media outlets, academic studies, and public discourse.
- As per information from the National Institutes of Health, supported by the increasing trend of liberalization and deregulation, gambling has witnessed substantial growth over the last three decades. It has transformed into a rapidly expanding and highly lucrative industry, with the global gambling market reaching approximately $449.3 billion in 2018. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was projected to sustain an annual growth rate of almost 6% in the foreseeable future. This expansion of the gambling industry has coincided with its normalization in society, as it has become widely accepted as a leisure activity and a cultural lifestyle choice. The promotion of “responsible gambling” through prevailing narratives has fostered positive social attitudes toward gambling, which, in turn, encourage increased gambling participation. However, it’s important to note that the potential health and social risks associated with gambling are often downplayed by both gambling companies and regulatory authorities, leading to inadequate awareness among gamblers regarding the potential harm involved.
- The promotion of sports gambling contributing to its normalization is a commonly discussed topic in various media outlets, academic studies, and public discourse.
A remarkable anecdote tells of an oyster fisherman who, upon opening an oyster’s shell, made an unexpected discovery – a tiny fish, weakly struggling inside. Curiously, the oyster itself was nowhere to be found, leading the fisherman to believe the fish had ventured into the open shell only to become ensnared when it closed shut. Once trapped inside, the little fish proceeded to consume the oyster. Fortunately, the fisherman’s timely intervention saved it from perishing within the shell.
In a similar vein, certain forms of sin, such as gambling, share a resemblance to this tale. They can enter one’s life surreptitiously, often through a heedless choice. Once established, expelling them becomes a formidable challenge, as they swiftly gain control over one’s existence, eventually destroying the whole life.
Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and ensure that the door to gambling remains firmly closed in one’s life. The risks associated with this vice are too significant to ignore.