In a powerful address during the semi-annual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leader D. Todd Christofferson warned of the destructive consequences of the rapid expansion of gambling, fueled by the internet and smartphones.
Moral Condemnation and "Something for Nothing"
Christofferson, one of the top three leaders of the Mormon church, argued that gambling is built on the desire to obtain "something for nothing," a mindset that fosters greed and produces no value. He expressed particular concern for teenagers and young adults, who devote time that should be spent on studies and relationships to betting platforms.
"For us as Latter-day Saints, overarching all other concerns is the fact that gambling is morally wrong," he stated.
The Front Against Prediction Markets
The speech targeted prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, where users wager on everything from weather patterns to the possibility of war. Christofferson ironically commented on bets regarding the timing of the Second Coming, asking, "Where do you go to collect on that bet?"
This stance puts the church at odds with President Donald Trump’s administration, which argues that these platforms do not constitute gambling and should not be subject to state restrictions. However, Utah has already tightened its legislation, with a federal judge recently ruling that state officials can enforce anti-gambling laws on these markets.
Political Strategy and Religious Context
This intervention is part of a broader strategic shift under the faith's top leader, Dallin Oaks, who favors a more calculated approach via public statements and behind-the-scenes lobbying, avoiding the direct member mobilization that caused backlash in the past. Opposition to gambling is a commonality with other religious groups, such as Methodists and Baptists, while it is strictly forbidden in Islam.
