My son says sports betting is harmless. Is he right?

By Chuck Bentley, CP Guest Contributor Friday, June 05, 2026

Dear Chuck,

I recently learned that my college freshman is gambling on sports games. He said it is not a big deal, that it is a lot of fun, and that he knows when to quit. Can you write something that I can share with him to address this from a biblical perspective?

Concerned About My Son Gambling

Dear Concerned About My Son Gambling,

Sports gambling is experiencing explosive growth and is certainly not limited to teenagers. The data is alarming. Just recently, I was able to speak to an old friend who told me the heartbreaking story of his son’s journey to gambling addiction and ultimate victory. More on that to come. Let’s look at the data.

Explosive growth

“Today, about 22% of Americans — and 48% of men ages 18–49 — report having at least one online sportsbook account.” The American Psychiatric Association estimates that more than a quarter of Americans gamble online every day.

“Before 2018, legal bets on sports totaled less than $5 billion. In just six years, it skyrocketed to $150 billion and sparked a 33 percent spike in gambling addiction,” according to a disturbing article released recently by The Hill.

Ministry Watch reports: “So, with one in three Americans betting on sports, downloading multiple gambling apps seems to be the latest obsession for men in the U.S., with 52% of men ages 18-49 signed up for accounts with an online sports book, such as DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, or BetMGM.”

Governments want the revenue

With the 2018 legalization, states expected increased tax revenue but failed to consider the financial ramifications for families. The industry is growing rapidly. Addiction may be one of the contributing factors.

Many people don’t realize the financial burden of a gambling addiction until it’s too late. There are serious consequences, whether winning or losing. Besides the loss of money, there’s the loss of time and the reward of advancing your career or spending time with your children. Money is gambled away that could have been given to the Kingdom of God, saved, or invested for the future.

Be direct with your son

Begin by highlighting the risks:

• The integrity of sports — Some athletes have been caught competing in the very games they have wagered on.
• Addiction — The loss of control can drive people to lose everything dear in their life.
• Mental health impact — Addiction, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide are linked with compulsive gambling.
• Family conflicts and social isolation — Relationships can become strained, hurting meaningful connections with others.
• Financial impact — Gambling can lead to serious financial consequences: debt, savings emptied, college funds depleted, bankruptcy.

How it starts and grows

Many of our young people grow up in homes where gambling is practiced. Smartphones, social media, and peers increase their exposure to online gambling. Teens are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing. They may lack impulse control and the ability for wise decision-making.

Some platforms run ads 24/7 to lure young people. Those who play games online may be exposed to digital ads for betting sites. Big wins are emphasized, and risks are downplayed, making betting tempting for teens. Those who manage their own bank accounts can quickly lose large sums.

Intervention from a loved one

This is where wise parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, or other influencers can make a difference! Here’s a helpful resource.

Parents can lead by addressing the topic at home. Respectfully ask what they know about gambling. If you’re confronted with TV, radio, or online ads, seize the opportunity to start a conversation. Stop what you’re doing and ask if they understand the point of the ad. Do they think the promises are probable or realistic? Ask what would happen if they risked real money. This question might reveal that they already do. If so, keep the door open through respectful discussion and your concern for their well-being.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Lying about gambling activity or how money is spent.
• Changes in health, nutrition, sleep, and mood.
• Skipping class or work.
• Spending less time with friends or family.
• Continually asking friends or family to borrow money.

Pray and take action

If you sense these warning signs are present, pray and ask the Lord to give you a clear plan to have the conversation or actions needed to help your son. It may be that someone other than yourself is better equipped to have a discussion with them. The goal will be to get them to recognize they are in danger and commit to stop or seek help.

Sports betting may be on the rise, but in the long run, the house always wins. Always!

My friend watched his son graduate at the top of his class, begin a professional career in finance and accounting, and steadily develop erratic behavior that led him into an alcohol addiction, the loss of his job, the loss of all of his money, and utter despair. It was through the witness of a close family member that he confessed to his gambling and alcohol addiction and turned his heart back to Christ. He moved in with his parents as a young adult and rebuilt his career and life.

As Christians, we must not put our trust in money, even money earned through investing. It will lead to our demise. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it”(Proverbs 13:11 ESV).

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