The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has a long history of providing moral clarity on ethical issues, including the threat of institutional gambling. Recently, the SBC affirmed a resolution denouncing the “Harmful and Predatory Nature of Sports Betting” and expressed deep concern regarding its detrimental impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Predatory Gambling: A Growing Concern

Predatory gambling is defined as powerful corporate gambling interests partnering with state governments to exploit and defraud citizens and their communities. The online gambling and sports betting system is designed to lure people into addiction, with technological advancements allowing for more addictive products and widespread advertising.

The SBC must continue to lead the way in combatting online gambling, including its most prevalent form: legalized predatory sports betting. The resolution urges leaders at all levels of government to curtail sports betting and address its disastrous effects through policy and legislation.

The danger posed by online gambling has grown to a scale that would have been difficult to imagine when Southern Baptists first spoke out against gambling over 100 years ago. International corporations now seek to hook everyone with a mobile device on products made with addiction-by-design, spending billions on advertising and lobbying efforts.

The SBC entities, leaders, churches, pastors, and congregants need to be equipped and prepared to provide the necessary force for good in the public square to combat predatory gambling, seize gospel opportunities, and ultimately point the world back to Christ.

Original reporting: Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — read the source article.