LDS leader D. Todd Christofferson decries all forms of gambling, urges members to stop betting
LDS leader D. Todd Christofferson condemned all forms of gambling, including sports betting and prediction markets, urging members to stop betting.Summary
In his opening address at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' fall General Conference, President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, strongly condemned all forms of gambling, including online sports betting, casino games, and prediction markets. He argued that gambling is morally wrong, built on the desire to obtain something for nothing at others' expense, and incompatible with Christ's commandment to love one's neighbor. He highlighted an article by Latter-day Saint journalist McKay Coppins, who lost nearly all of a $10,000 stake while investigating sports betting, and quoted Coppins' warning that society is making a risky bet by allowing a runaway gambling industry. Christofferson cited statistics showing that 36% of boys aged 11-17 and 49% by age 17 had gambled, and expressed concern about the rising participation of young women in gambling. He also joked about prediction markets, asking where one would collect a bet on the timing of the Second Coming. Echoing past leaders like President Dallin H. Oaks, he urged members to avoid gambling even where legal, stating that gambling produces nothing of value and enriches only its purveyors, and pleaded with Latter-day Saints to live on a higher plane.
(Source：Salt Lake Tribune)