Mormon Leader Condemns Rise in Sports Betting and Prediction Markets

Mormon leader warns of gambling's moral dangers as prediction markets surge, urging caution among youth.

October 4, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Salt Lake City, United States — A senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has raised concerns over the rapid growth of sports betting and prediction markets, warning that these activities foster greed and are morally wrong.

D. Todd Christofferson, a top church official, addressed the issue during the 196th Semiannual General Conference, emphasizing that gambling is built on the desire to obtain something for nothing and that it negatively impacts young people, taking away from their studies and relationships.

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The church’s stance contrasts with the Trump administration, which argues that platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket do not constitute gambling and should not be restricted. Utah, where the church is based, has been at the center of legal disputes over whether these markets should be regulated as gambling or finance.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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