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Sports betting is EVERYWHERE.
You cannot watch any sports on TV or online without being bombarded by a multitude of sports betting ads, offers, and apps to download! In the past, one had to go to a sports “club” to place a wager on a game. Today, it can be done from your home, your couch, your pool, and yes, even your bathroom!

The volume of these ads is intense, and they are seemingly attractive with the purpose of luring you to use their platform or app. The message is clear: if you do, you will “be a winner.”

To get a good grip on the topic of sports betting, let’s start by understanding what it is and what it entails by looking at its definition and some statistics.

Definition of Sports Betting:

“The online sports betting market refers to the segment of the online gambling industry that involves placing bets on various sports events over the internet. This includes a wide range of sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, horse racing, tennis, and many others. Online sports betting allows customers to place bets on the outcome of sporting events in real-time, either before or during the event. These bets can be placed through various online platforms, including websites and mobile apps, which are often operated by licensed online sportsbook operators.”

Stats:

  • Revenue in the online sports betting market is projected to reach $16.52 billion in 2024.
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 10.45%, resulting in a projected market volume of $27.15 billion by 2029.
  • The number of users in the online sports betting market is expected to reach 83.7 million by 2029.
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to $2,800.

These statistics are staggering! One other statistic I read is that the U.S. is leading in the number of people involved in some form of sports betting. Now, the question before us is this: Should Christians be involved in sports betting?

A Christian Perspective on Gambling: Is gambling a sin?

Some time ago, we did an episode (#75) on “Is gambling a sin?” Let’s revisit that episode and review some solid Biblical principles related to gambling:

Gambling is risking material value for a potentially larger gain with an uncertain outcome. (Repeat this!)

A Few Types of Gambling:

  • Friendly wagers
  • Problem gambling
  • Compulsive gambling
  • Professional gambling

Does the Bible pit foolishness and wisdom against each other? Yes, they are opposites.

Gambling, as we know it today, is not mentioned in the Bible. However, it is considered poor stewardship of the resources that the Lord has put into your care. The drive, emotions, and actions associated with gambling are completely opposite to what the Scriptures express should be cultivated in the life of a Biblical steward. Gambling often stems from misplaced desire, greed, and coveting, which diverts devotion and trust from God. While the Bible does not explicitly label gambling as a sin, it advises against it due to its foolishness and potential negative impact on one’s relationship with God.

Source: Is Gambling a Sin?

Is Sports Betting Technically Gambling?

Yes, absolutely, sports betting is a form of gambling. It involves risking money on the outcome of a sports event with the aim of making a profit based on the prediction. Like other forms of gambling, it carries the potential for both financial gain and loss, and its outcome is uncertain.

Remember, gambling’s drive, emotions, and actions are ALL opposite to what the Scriptures express should be cultivated in the life of a Biblical steward.

Some of Those Drives/Emotions/Actions Are:

Drives:

  • Desire for Financial Gain:
    • Primary Motivation: Many people are driven by the potential to make money. The hope of winning big can be a powerful motivator.
    • Chasing Losses: Some bettors are driven by the desire to recover losses, leading to a cycle of continued betting.
  • Thrill and Excitement:
    • Adrenaline Rush: The uncertainty of outcomes and the high stakes involved create a sense of excitement and thrill.
    • Risk-Taking Behavior: Betting can appeal to those who enjoy taking risks and experiencing the emotional highs and lows that come with it.
  • Social Influence:
    • Peer Pressure: Being part of a group that engages in betting can lead to social pressure to participate.
    • Social Bonding: Betting can also be a way to bond with others, especially in environments like sports bars or during major sporting events.
  • Cognitive Biases:
    • Overconfidence: Bettors may believe they have special knowledge or insight that gives them an edge.
    • Gambler’s Fallacy: The mistaken belief that past events influence future outcomes, leading to irrational betting decisions.

Actions:

  • Placing Bets:
    • Impulsive Betting: Some may place bets impulsively, driven by emotion or a sudden feeling of confidence.

Emotions:

  • Hope and Optimism:
    • Expectation of Winning: Bettors often feel hopeful and optimistic about their chances of winning, especially after placing a bet.
  • Anxiety and Stress:
    • Uncertainty: The unpredictability of sports events can lead to anxiety, especially when large amounts of money are at stake.
    • Fear of Losing: The fear of losing money can create significant stress, particularly for those betting beyond their means.
  • Elation and Disappointment:
    • Winning: Winning a bet can lead to feelings of elation, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment, which drives the desire to win more (leading to placing more and even riskier bets).
    • Losing: Conversely, losing can lead to disappointment, frustration, and sometimes anger, which can result in “rebound betting” (placing even riskier bets in an attempt to recover losses).
  • Addiction and Compulsion:
    • Addictive Behavior: For some, betting can become an addictive behavior, driven by the need for the emotional highs that come with winning or the desperation to recover losses.
    • Compulsion: This can lead to compulsive gambling, where the person feels an uncontrollable urge to continue betting despite negative consequences.

As we stated earlier in this episode, gambling’s drive, emotions, and actions are ALL opposite to what the Scriptures express should be cultivated in the life of a Biblical steward.

Reasons Why We Would Advise You NOT to Bet on Sports:

  1. Financial Stewardship:
    • You are the steward, not the owner. How would the owner feel about you gambling with, and most likely losing, his resources?
    • “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1, NIV84).
  2. The House Always Wins:
    • Gambling apps are designed to make money for the company running the app. You can’t outsmart them. The chances of winning are always going to be lower than the chances of losing. It is foolishness to think that you can “beat the system.” Remember, someone is paying for all those TV and internet ads and to keep the apps up and running! Should it be you in your losses???
  3. Risk of Addiction:
    • Betting can lead to compulsive gambling, which can negatively impact one’s life and relationships.
  4. Love of Money:
    • Betting may be motivated by greed or covetousness.
    • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV84).
  5. Witness to Others:
    • Engaging in gambling might harm one’s witness as a Christian, as it could be seen as endorsing harmful behavior.
  6. Trust in God:
    • Betting can reflect a reliance on yourself (or even worse: chance) rather than trust in God’s sovereign provision and plan for your money, finances, assets, family, and life!

What If I Have Extra Money in the Budget to “Play” With?

That’s great! But wouldn’t you want to do something more productive with those funds?

If you want to set money on fire (figuratively speaking), at least go buy a cord of firewood instead. It may last longer.

Put Your Dollars to Better Work (Invest it well!)

Investing will always be a more constructive and responsible use of resources compared to sports betting. When you invest in the stock market, you’re providing capital to companies, supporting innovation, and contributing to economic growth. If you invest in Biblically responsible companies, your impact is even greater! This approach aligns with principles of wise financial stewardship and long-term planning.

In contrast, sports betting often leads to financial instability and is driven by chance rather than informed decision-making, making it a less prudent and potentially harmful activity.

A good question to ask yourself is this: Do you trust in our Sovereign God, or are you trusting in chance and uncertainty?

Christian, if you have been sucked into gambling… Speak to one of your church leaders, or contact 1-800-Gambler.

Stewardship Application:

From a Biblical standpoint, the motivations and emotions associated with sports betting are problematic. The Bible warns against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) and encourages contentment with what one has (Hebrews 13:5). The thrill of gambling can lead to greed, a desire for quick riches, and a lack of trust in God’s provision. Proverbs 13:11 also speaks to the idea that wealth gained hastily (or through gambling) will dwindle, while wealth gathered little by little will increase.

Furthermore, the potential for addiction and the mental/emotional turmoil that can come with gambling, both personally and professionally, are at odds with the peace and self-control that are the fruits of the Spirit, which the good steward should exemplify as seen in Galatians 5:22-23.

 

 

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