By Michaela Gordoni
As more and more young men turn to sports gambling, two Cedarville University profs ring warning bells.
Dr. Jared A. Pincin, associate professor of economics, and Col. Greg Thompson, professor of criminal justice and a retired U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, say gambling carries too many risks.
Crosswalk reported 95% of wagers take place online. A survey by the Siena College Research Institute and St. Bonaventure University shows 22% of U.S. adults and 48% of men ages 18 to 49 have an account with at least one sportsbook.
That same survey found that 52% of gamblers have “chased” a bet and wagered more to try to recoup a loss. Some (20%) have bet so much that they’ve had trouble meeting financial obligations.
And things could get worse. The NCAA is considering allowing college athletes to legally bet on professional sporting events.
Related: America’s Gambling Crisis Escalates: ‘No Guardrails’
“Everyone has access to a casino in their pocket,” Thompson often tells his students.
The betting companies use “predatory practices” to keep users betting. Promotions offering “free” money — from $5 to $250 — and “easy win” bets generate fake confidence and encourage continual losses.
“These companies make money only when the gambler loses theirs,” Thompson said. “They aren’t concerned for the well-being of their clients. The dark reality is that gambling is very addictive and can bankrupt people, strain marriages and destroy futures.”
“State governments also profit, taking their cut of the winnings,” he added. “Specialized regulated access to this market is exchanged for a portion of the profits.”
Pincin, who has co-authored academic papers and op-eds on gambling’s economic and ethical challenges, says sports apps have turned into gamification.
“These apps look and feel like mobile games, blurring the line between entertainment and financial risk. They hook younger users — those who tend to take the most risks,” he said.
“My greatest concern is that sports betting might cause students not to be able to continue their education,” Thompson said. “There’s a future impact — and a spiritual impact — that can alter the course of a young person’s life.”
Pincin added, “Gambling preys on our desire for quick gain and distracts us from trusting God’s provision.”
Thompson believes gambling should be treated like a dangerous product, like cigarettes and tobacco.
“Everyone knows you shouldn’t be smoking because it’s bad for your health and it causes lung cancer,” he said.
As this sports betting epidemic grows, young men need to realize that gambling has no value. It steals their time, energy and finances. Resources are available through Gambling Therapy, Gamble Aware, Game Quitters and churches.
Read Next: People Seek Help for Gambling Addiction Following Normalization of Sports Betting
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