SALT LAKE CITY – A leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has raised concerns about the rapid rise of gambling, particularly among young people, due to the proliferation of online prediction markets and sports betting. D. Todd Christofferson, one of the church’s top leaders, emphasized that this trend is fostering greed and producing “nothing of value.”
During the church’s twice-annual general conference, Christofferson pointed out that the accessibility of gambling through smartphones is detracting from the studies and relationships of teenagers and young adults. “For us as Latter-day Saints, overarching all other concerns is the fact that gambling is morally wrong. Gambling is built on the desire to obtain something for nothing,” he stated.
This declaration aligns the church’s views on gambling with traditional religious positions, placing it at odds with the stance of former President Donald Trump’s administration, which argued that platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket should not be classified as gambling. This distinction is significant, especially in light of Utah’s recent legislation that regulates such activities.
Prediction markets allow participants to place bets on a variety of events, ranging from weather forecasts to geopolitical developments. Christofferson humorously noted, “Or even, if you can imagine, the timing of the Second Coming. Where do you go to collect on that bet?” This statement underlines the church’s broader concerns regarding the absurdity and ethical implications of such betting practices.
Opposition to gambling is not unique to the Latter-day Saints. Various religious organizations, including the Methodist Church and the Southern Baptist Convention, have condemned gambling for its potential to harm society. In Islam, gambling is outright forbidden, and in Hinduism, it is viewed as a vice. The Catholic Church, while not categorically opposing gambling, recognizes its potential to lead to problematic behaviors.
For over a century, Utah has maintained strict regulations against gambling, with no casinos or lotteries, reflecting the Mormon community’s values that regard gambling as a gateway to selfishness and addiction. Matthew Bowman, a professor of religion and history at Claremont Graduate University, commented on the growing challenge faced by various institutions as predictive markets and legalized sports gambling gain popularity across the country.
Christofferson’s remarks come during a period of increased political engagement by the church under the leadership of President Dallin Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice. The church has taken public stances on various political issues, including opposition to state ballot measures related to abortion rights in Idaho and Nevada.
This calculated approach to political issues marks a shift from the past, particularly following backlash over the church’s involvement in California’s Proposition 8, a 2008 measure aimed at banning same-sex marriage. As Bowman indicated, the church’s leadership has become more strategic in its messaging, balancing public statements with behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts.
As the discourse surrounding gambling continues to evolve, the Latter-day Saints’ position raises important questions about the intersection of morality, technology, and societal values in contemporary America.
Brown reported from Billings, Mont. Holly Meyer contributed to this story from Nashville, Tennessee.
