“Dear Governor DeWine and Members of the Ohio General Assembly, As pastors from across Ohio, we write to express our firm opposition to the proposed legislation that would expand gambling by legalizing online poker and virtual casino gambling in our state. This legislation is not just harmful – it is deeply unjust. It preys on our state’s most vulnerable citizens by promoting addictive gambling as a means of generating state revenue. As Christian leaders, we know Jesus has a special heart for the poor (Psalm 140:12) and has called on those in governing authority to reject ‘unjust decrees’ (Isaiah 10:1). The data is undeniable expanded predatory gaming in the state is an exponential wealth transfer, exploiting low-income Ohioans to play addictive games stacked against them and sending the money to wealthy out-of-state gambling corporations,” says an open letter signed by no fewer than 131 Buckeye State shepherds associated with the Center for Christian Virtue.
Continued: “What’s more, expanding access to 24/7 online gambling – especially through smartphones and computers – turns every living room into a casino and every struggling Ohioan into a potential target for financial exploitation. This is especially dangerous with the mental health crisis our state is facing because, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, gambling addiction results in the greatest rates of suicide compared to other forms of addiction.”
Not among the signatories for whatever reason but still very much an opponent of the bill was Sandusky-area Pastor Gary Click, whose other job, a Republican state Representative, gives him a little more sway against it. “We know that gambling appeals to those who have the lowest education, the lowest income, and the greatest debt,” Click said, per the Ohio Capital Journal. “As we increase gambling especially online gambling we are harming the most vulnerable people in the state.”
The bill’s supporters claim it’ll generate at least $175 million a year in revenue for the state. And yeah, it’ll probably pass given the previous track record of gambling legislation in Ohio. Those pastors can pipe down until they’re needed for “pro-life” or anti-LGBTQ legislation.