Southern Baptists To Vote on Resolution Condemning the ‘Harmful and Predatory Nature of Sports Betting’

Oliver further pointed out that sports betting companies actively encourage addictive gambling behavior, offering extravagant perks to those who spend the most money on bets and aggressively re-marketing to bettors who have stopped. 

RELATED: Willy Rice Calls the ERLC a ‘Mess’ While Past SBC Presidents Rally Behind It

“Every part of this system is set up to reel gamblers in and then keep them playing,” said Oliver.

Given this new landscape, the resolutions committee of the SBC is proposing that Southern Baptists speak with one voice against the sports betting industry.

Titled “On the Harmful and Predatory Nature of Sports Betting,” the resolution points out that sports betting “continues to advance and integrate itself into modern athletics at both the professional and collegiate levels” and argues that the “rapid expansion of legalized sports betting presents significant spiritual, moral, ethical, and societal concerns.”

Thus, the resolution calls upon Southern Baptists to “condemn sports betting in all its forms” and “the promotion and normalization of this predatory industry in every athletic context.” It also expresses “deep concern regarding its detrimental impact on individuals, families, and communities.”

The resolution calls upon Southern Baptist leaders and pastors “to educate our churches on the deceptive sin of gambling through biblical instruction and practical resources while providing compassionate support and counseling to those struggling with gambling addiction and its consequences.” It also urges “fellow Southern Baptists and all other followers of Christ to repent where needed, mourn the ubiquitous presence of sports betting in our culture, and refuse to participate in the sin of gambling.”

Southern Baptist delegates, called messengers, will vote on this and other resolutions during the annual meeting of the SBC in Dallas from June 10-11.

RELATED: Americans Will Bet More Than a Billion on the Super Bowl. Do Faith Leaders Care?

ChurchLeaders has reached out for comment to Dr. Andrew T. Walker, who is serving as chairman of the SBC’s resolution committee, and will update this article in the event of a response.