Pornography, sports betting, abortion pills: A look at 5 SBC resolutions ahead of its Annual Meeting

Sports betting

One of the proposed resolutions, titled “On the Harmful and Predatory Nature of Sports Betting,” denounces the trend of increased legalized sports betting.

“The rapid expansion of legalized sports betting presents significant spiritual, moral, ethical, and societal concerns,” explains the resolution.

“The normalization of sports betting commodifies participants, risks compromising the integrity of athletic competition, and jeopardizes the safety of competitors.”

Noting that the SBC has a history of denouncing gambling, the resolution calls on messengers to “denounce the promotion and normalization of this predatory industry in every athletic context” and “express our deep concern regarding its detrimental impact on individuals, families, and communities.”

“[W]e call upon corporations involved in this industry to cease their exploitative practices,” continued the resolution. “That we urge our leaders at all levels of government to curtail sports betting and to address its disastrous effects through policy and legislation.”

“That we call upon our fellow Southern Baptists and all other followers of Christ to repent where needed, mourn the ubiquitous presence of sports betting in our culture, and refuse to participate in the sin of gambling.”