More than 100 Christian ministry leaders across Ohio have signed a letter urging Gov. Mike DeWine and the state Legislature to reject a proposal to legalize online poker and virtual casino gambling. The letter calls the proposed expansion of gambling a threat to the state’s most vulnerable populations and a violation of biblical principles.
In the letter, organized by the Center for Christian Virtue, the pastors warn that the legislation would result in a “predatory gaming” system designed to extract wealth from low-income Ohioans and funnel profits to out-of-state corporations.
The letter criticizes the plan for using addictive games as a revenue model and argues that it would disproportionately harm the poor, young men and those already struggling with mental health challenges.
