$1.7 Billion Bet on Super Bowl 60: Americas Gambling Addiction Is Coming for Your Sons

America's Sports Betting Crisis Is Destroying Young Men and the Government Is Profiting

Americans wagered an estimated $1.7 billion in legal bets on Super Bowl 60, and experts warn the nation is heading toward a devastating gambling addiction crisis, particularly among young men.

According to a front page USA TODAY report by Nick Penzenstadler titled "Kids Delve Into Sports Betting," more than one third of adolescent boys have gambled through legal outlets in the past 12 months. Among boys aged 11 to 13, that figure is 30%. For those aged 14 to 17, it rises to 41%.

Most of these minors placed bets through legalized sports books. While some were caught betting underage, they simply resumed as soon as they turned 21.

The top two predictors of adult problem gambling are: you have a parent with a gambling problem and starting at a young age.

Jim Whelan, executive director of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research at The University of Memphis, issued that warning.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports wagering in 2018, the appetite for online gambling has spread rapidly. Today, 31 of 50 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized online sports betting.

Dr. Richard Land, Executive Editor of The Christian Post, wrote that these statistics represent a "harbinger of a tidal wave of financial and personal heartbreak for multiple thousands of young men who will have their financial and often their personal futures destroyed or seriously diminished by gambling addiction."

The experiences of the United Kingdom and Australia offer a cautionary tale. Children who grew up with gambling as part of sports culture now view the two as inseparable.

State governments are partners to this industry and can't push too hard because they're making so much money. They're like the arsonists and firefighters at the same time.

Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, made that observation about governments profiting from an industry they should be regulating.

Land argues that legalized sports betting effectively makes state governments into "bookies," promoting a socially harmful activity for their cut of the action. He also warns that as athletes themselves become indebted through gambling, some will inevitably succumb to the temptation to fix games or manipulate point spreads.

Legalized Gambling Is Targeting Children While States Cash In on the Addiction

Land framed the issue in biblical terms, calling gambling "a zero sum game" and "really a violation of 'Thou shalt not steal.'" He added that it may also violate the commandment against coveting, depending on the gambler's state of mind.

He cited Romans 13, arguing that God ordained civil government to punish evildoers and reward those who do right, not to profit from an industry that preys on its own citizens.

"It is difficult to think of a more foolish and immoral policy with more destructive consequences than the one we have embarked upon as a nation," Land wrote. "I pray we wake up before it is too late."

The Crusader's Opinion

Let me be blunt. When 41% of teenage boys are placing bets through legal sportsbooks, and the government's response is to count its revenue, we are watching the state sanctioned destruction of a generation. The same governments that claim to protect children are profiting off their addiction. They have become the bookies. They have become the predators. God ordained government to punish evil, not to monetize it. Every single state that legalized this poison chose tax dollars over the souls of young men. That is not governance. That is betrayal. And when these boys grow into broken, indebted men who cannot provide for their families, the blood is on the hands of every legislator who voted yes. Scripture is clear: "Thou shalt not steal." Gambling is theft dressed in entertainment. Wake up, Church.

Take Action

• Contact your state legislators and demand they support restrictions on sports betting advertising targeting minors. Find your representatives at usa.gov/elected-officials.
• Support Stop Predatory Gambling, the national advocacy organization fighting against government sponsored gambling expansion.
• Talk to the young men in your life about the realities of gambling addiction. Share the statistics: one third of adolescent boys are already gambling. This conversation cannot wait.
• Support The Shepherd's Shield to help protect vulnerable communities and stand for Christian values in public life.
• If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1 800 522 4700 (available 24/7).
• Share this article with your church community and small group. Pray for national repentance on this issue and for the protection of young people from predatory gambling practices.