‘Everybody Loses’ helps Christians explain why opposition to legalized gambling isn’t legalism; it’s part of loving our neighbors well.
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Sports gambling was once relegated to the underbelly of American life. It was a major scandal in 1989 when Pete Rose, an All Star player and manager of the Cincinnati Reds, was caught betting on Major League Baseball—even on games played by his team. His lifetime ban from the sport and the Hall of Fame came as no surprise to fans.
In recent years, sports betting has emerged from the shadows. You can’t watch a sporting event without seeing a commercial for betting. Sports shows on major networks are sponsored by companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. In 2025, 22 percent of U.S. adults reported betting on sports.
