In a significant move reflecting the concerns of faith leaders, over 100 Christian ministry leaders from across Ohio have come together to voice their opposition to a proposal aimed at legalizing online poker and virtual casino gambling. This coalition, organized by the Center for Christian Virtue, has penned a letter to Governor Mike DeWine and the state Legislature, urging them to reject the proposed legislation, which they believe poses a serious threat to the most vulnerable members of society.
The letter outlines a compelling argument against the expansion of gambling, describing it as a system designed to prey on the financially disadvantaged. The ministry leaders assert that this legislative move would create a “predatory gaming” environment, effectively targeting low-income Ohioans and channeling profits to out-of-state corporations. Their concerns are not merely theoretical; they highlight alarming statistics from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which indicate that gambling addiction is linked to some of the highest suicide rates among addictions.
The pastors argue that making online gambling accessible 24/7 through smartphones and computers would turn every household into a potential casino. This increased accessibility, they warn, could lead to widespread financial exploitation, particularly among young men and those already grappling with mental health issues. Citing a Rutgers University study, the letter reveals that online gambling among young men in New Jersey surged dramatically, with a third participating in 2023—four times the rate from 2017. Disturbingly, nearly 19% of these individuals were identified as being at high risk for problem gambling.
The faith leaders are calling for a more compassionate approach from the state, one that focuses on building strong families and fostering productive futures rather than facilitating a pathway to addiction. Drawing on biblical principles, they characterize the proposed legislation as “morally indefensible.” They reference Psalm 140:12 and Isaiah 10:1 to condemn policies that exploit the poor, while Proverbs 31:8-9 serves as a call to action for lawmakers to advocate for the rights of the needy.
The letter also critiques the reliance on gambling losses to fund state operations, framing it as a betrayal of public duty. From their pastoral perspective, the signatories have witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of gambling addiction, including broken marriages, lost homes, and mental health crises.
A recent survey conducted by Lifeway Research found that a significant majority of Evangelical pastors across the United States share similar concerns about legalized gambling. Out of 1,004 Protestant pastors surveyed, only 13% supported the legalization of sports betting nationwide, while 55% deemed it morally wrong. Scott McConnell, the executive director of Lifeway Research, noted that while many Americans may view gambling as a quick route to financial gain, most pastors recognize the moral pitfalls and societal damage associated with it.
Regional differences in opinion also emerged, with pastors in the South and Midwest showing stronger opposition to gambling compared to their counterparts in the West. Additionally, demographic variations were noted, with younger and Black pastors being somewhat more open to the idea of legalization.
In a previous column for The Christian Post, Richard Land, former head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, articulated the dangers of gambling, highlighting its propensity to foster addiction, covetousness, and family breakdown, while also corrupting governmental roles by turning them into profiteers from vice.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, numerous states have moved to legalize various forms of gambling. Ohio has already approved casino operations and sports betting, but the current proposal to legalize online poker and virtual casinos marks a new and expansive chapter in the state’s gambling landscape.
As Ohio stands at this crossroads, the voices of faith leaders echo a call for moral clarity and compassion, urging lawmakers to prioritize the well-being of their constituents over the allure of quick financial gains through gambling. The future of Ohio’s gambling policies remains to be seen, but the dialogue initiated by these ministry leaders is sure to resonate throughout the state and beyond.