August 29th, 2025
by Matt Davis
by Matt Davis
The huge proliferation of sports gambling is something that I have been concerned about for awhile. What used to have to be done in back rooms or on a trip to Vegas is now at everyone's fingertips through sports betting apps. I have personally seen young men compulsively betting on the points a random NBA player will score one night.
Gambling itself is a stewardship and heart issue (the scripture warns about going after get-rich quick schemes). It tends to prey on those who are least able to afford it and is a major source of addiction and family turmoil. It has only gotten worse since 2018 when the Federal government removed many restrictions. And it is primarily something that is ensnaring men, especially young men. If you have a son or grandson you need to be having conversations about this now.
Jesus told us that where our treasure is, that is where our heart is at - and the amount of money spent on sports gambling might be an indication of where the idols of many lie. This article dives into the some of the numbers and urges restraint (though I would go further than their recommendations). It's not written from a Christian worldview, but you can see that it is a big enough problem that even those outside the church are taking note.
Gambling itself is a stewardship and heart issue (the scripture warns about going after get-rich quick schemes). It tends to prey on those who are least able to afford it and is a major source of addiction and family turmoil. It has only gotten worse since 2018 when the Federal government removed many restrictions. And it is primarily something that is ensnaring men, especially young men. If you have a son or grandson you need to be having conversations about this now.
Jesus told us that where our treasure is, that is where our heart is at - and the amount of money spent on sports gambling might be an indication of where the idols of many lie. This article dives into the some of the numbers and urges restraint (though I would go further than their recommendations). It's not written from a Christian worldview, but you can see that it is a big enough problem that even those outside the church are taking note.
No Comments