Brief
Mormon leader warns that online gambling and prediction markets are corrupting Utah youth
At the LDS Church's semi‑annual conference, Elder Christofferson said prediction‑market wagers threaten moral values and distract young members from study and relationships.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints’ top three leaders, told the church’s twice‑annual general conference on Saturday that a surge in online gambling – including sports betting and prediction‑market platforms – is encouraging greed, especially among teenagers and young adults.
What happened
Christofferson warned that smartphones make betting possible anywhere, stealing time from studies and relationships. He described gambling as “morally wrong” and “built on the desire to obtain something for nothing.” He cited prediction‑market wagers on topics ranging from weather to the timing of the Second Coming, asking, “Where do you go to collect on that bet?”
What the reports add
The Fortune article notes that the church’s stance puts it at odds with the Trump administration, which argues that platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are not gambling and should not face state restrictions. A federal judge in August allowed Utah officials to enforce the state’s strict anti‑gambling laws on prediction markets, and legislation this year tightened those laws to cover such platforms.
What was said
Christofferson said, “For us as Latter‑day Saints, overarching all other concerns is the fact that gambling is morally wrong.” He added, “Or even, if you can imagine, the timing of the Second Coming… Where do you go to collect on that bet?”
How it came about
Utah has long limited gambling, with no casinos, lotteries or racetracks, a policy rooted in the values of the LDS majority. The church’s recent political engagement under President Dallin Oaks reflects growing concern over the spread of online betting and prediction markets across the United States.
Key facts
- Elder D. Todd Christofferson condemned online gambling and prediction markets at the LDS conference. (fortune.com)
- He said gambling is morally wrong and distracts youth from study and relationships. (fortune.com)
- A federal judge ruled in August that Utah can enforce its anti‑gambling laws on prediction markets. (fortune.com)
- Legislation this year tightened Utah’s gambling statutes to include prediction markets. (fortune.com)
Sources
- [1] fortune.com — originally reported as “Mormon leader decries explosion of gambling and blasts prediction market wagers — 'Or even, if you can imagine, the timing of the Second Coming'”
