Poll: Majority churchgoers gamble

Do you think gambling is not an issue for most churchgoers? Think again.

By Michael J. Vlach, Ph.D.

According to the Gallup Organization's new release, "Gambling a Common Activity for Americans," 52 percent of weekly churchgoers have participated in some form of gambling in the past twelve months. For those who attend church nearly weekly or monthly, the number rises to 69 percent.

The data, released on March 24, 2004 was the result of a Gallup Lifestyle Poll conducted December 11-14, 2003.

According to Gallup, gambling continues to be "widespread in the United States." Two out of every three Americans claim they have participated in some form of gambling in the past year.

Of the major forms of gambling, lotteries and casinos are the most popular.

"About half of Americans, 49 percent, says they have bought a lottery ticket in the past 12 months," the reports states. "Three in ten Americans say they have visited a casino in the past 12 months, making it the second-most common form of gambling."

The report also documents that 15 percent of Americans have participated in an office pool; 14 percent have played a video or poker machine; 16 percent have bet on either professional or college sports.

"This research again confirms that gambling is a major issue not only for our society, but also for our churches as well," said Michael Vlach, Content Coordinator for Chance to Change, a Christ-centered gambling recovery program.

"Many church leaders continue to assume that gambling is not that big of a deal for Christians, but that clearly is not the case," Vlach said. "When you have one-half to two-thirds of churchgoers involved in some form of gambling, there is a problem. This is something church leaders must address."