As the Southern Baptist Convention’s Annual Meeting & Pastors’ Conference gears up to commence tomorrow in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, a resolution that is poised for approval has sparked significant discourse. The nation’s most extensive Protestant denomination, with thousands of attendees expected over the two-day event, is preparing to address various contentious issues, among which sports betting has prominently featured alongside pornography and same-sex marriage.

The 2025 gathering marks a crucial moment for the Southern Baptist community, uniting pastors and “registered messengers” from across Southern Baptist churches to reflect on their collective ministry efforts and chart a course for the future. However, it’s clear from the agenda that certain modern societal trends do not align with their vision for that future.

In a bold move, SBC leaders are set to introduce resolutions advocating for stringent measures against pornography and urging a reconside

ration of the United States Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage rights. Yet, it is their stance on sports betting that is drawing particular attention within our industry.

Scheduled as a key item on the convention’s agenda is a resolution addressing what has been described as the “harmful and predatory nature of sports betting.” This resolution highlights the Southern Baptist Convention’s historical opposition to gambling in all its forms, citing concerns over its potential for spiritual, moral, ethical, and societal degradation. Particularly alarming to them is how rapidly sports betting has expanded into legal territories across 33 states plus Washington D.C., fostering what they perceive as unprecedented levels of gambling addiction and financial distress.

The proposed text argues that online sports betting contradicts biblical teachings on stewardship, work ethics, and integrity by promoting irresponsible resource management. Furthermore, it urges members to condemn sports betting actively due to its adverse effects while calling upon lawmakers and sportsbook operators alike to reevaluate their practices and implement policies aimed at mitigating these negative impacts.

This directive also encourages SBC leaders and pastors to continue educating their congregations about gambling’s sinful nature according to church doctrine. It underscores an ongoing debate within broader society about what constitutes so-called “sin industries,” including gambling alongside alcohol, tobacco, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing.

Interestingly enough, this perspective aligns with historical viewpoints where religious groups have often been at the forefront of labeling certain sectors as dealing in “sin stocks.” As we delve into this narrative unfolding at one of America’s largest religious gatherings this year in Dallas, it serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between faith-based values and contemporary social issues facing our industry today.