Gambling: New Method, Same Danger

Did you correctly guess LeBron James would sign with the Philadelphia 76ers? Would you have guessed the details of Taylor Swift’s wedding dress? These are the types of questions circulating online prediction markets. Forget card-counting; now a knowledge of Pop Culture is the only skill needed to get an edge on luck and make a quick buck. At least, that is the appeal promoted by gambling apps. Two popular prediction platforms, Kalshi and Polymarket, function like a stock market where people trade contracts on the outcomes of real-world events.

Promotions for online gambling are directed to younger users. According to CBS News, 60% of Kalshi users are between 18 and 34 years old, and three million active users are male. An investigation by the Wall Street Journal revealed Polymarket paid social media influencers to post content where the influencer appeared to win money on the popular prediction platform. All of the earnings were faked. Influencers were given access to copycat websites that staged bets and wins. These deceptive videos created the illusion that it is common and easy for anyone to get rich off of these gambling platforms.

The convenience and accessibility of online prediction markets has allowed this method of betting to rise in popularity. Mobile betting poses a number of risks to users as it can lead to gambling addictions, financial ruin, and mental health struggles. In 2013, “gambling disorder” was officially recognized as a behavioral addiction. The practice of gambling triggers the brain’s reward system just like chemical drugs do.

Participation in mobile betting may begin harmlessly, but can quickly result in negative consequences. These consequences affect both the individual and their family. People who have a habit of gambling are more likely to make compulsive decisions, get distracted from their tasks, and lie to their loved ones. Kids who grew up exposed to gambling are five to ten times more likely to develop a gambling disorder. Children are at risk of growing up without enough money for essentials, education, or extracurriculars. Gambling damages relationships because it can lead to distrust, conflict, and betrayal between spouses.

Christians should be cautious about gambling. Gambling suggests humans do not need to depend on God for provision. Genesis 1-3 shows how God created man in His image and commissions man to be involved in restorative and creative work. Authors from the Gospel Coalition point out that gambling is not a form of work or investment. The authors conclude, “sports betting isn’t a restorative or creative activity and doesn’t align with God’s provisional plan for humans.” Throughout the book of Proverbs, Christians are warned against laziness and exhorted to do honest work (Prov. 14:23, 21:5, 3:5-6). God sovereignly provides for His people (Phil 4:19, Ps. 23:1, Matt. 6:25-34, Ex. 16:9-16). Christians do not need to rely on human power or logic for their needs to be met.

Another reason Christians should be wary of gambling is that it threatens God’s design for the family unit. The love between a husband and a wife is designed to reflect the love Christ has for His church (Eph. 5:22-33). Marriage should be marked by Christ-like characteristics, not distrust, deception, or disloyalty. Parents are given the responsibility to raise up their children in the way of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4, Prov. 22:6, Deut. 6:6-7). The consequences associated with gambling present unnecessary challenges to the family unit.

With football season right around the corner, conversations and opportunities for sports betting are guaranteed to follow. It is important for Christians to take time now to understand the serious risks of gambling so they can proceed with wisdom.