Just last week I wrote about a Denver Bronco football player who has been suspended indefinitely for gambling. I thought an emphasis on “policy” was misguided. We should be teaching these young people that gambling is bad for them in every way imaginable.

I’m on the wrong side of society again. A July 26 article in the Wall Street Journal captures it all with this headline and sub-headline:

The NCAA’s Interest in Gambling Is Growing. Its Penalties for Athletes Who Gamble Are Shrinking.

The NCAA recently eased its penalties for athletes who gamble on sports, even if it’s legal. The association is also indicating that it wants to profit from legal wagering.

Instead of continuing to discourage college athletes from gambling, now the NCAA wants a piece of the action. The article has two photos of betting companies advertising right in the stadium where the games are played. And what are the new guidelines?

For violations in which the total amount wagered is $200 or less, the guidelines call only for mandatory gambling prevention education and no loss of eligibility.

I’m not a college student, but I think $200 is a fair amount of money. Too much to throw away on a bet. And make no mistake, “throw away” is the right expression. Last year, I pointed out that Alabama might not win the National Championship despite their very high odds in favor. In 2018, the odds were higher, and Alabama lost to Clemson in the championship game 44 – 16. Last year, they lost twice and didn’t even win their division of the SEC. I wonder how much money was lost on that “sure thing.”

But gambling is becoming more normal and some of it is considered “innocuous:”

Officially, college athletes are still prohibited from betting on any sport offered by the NCAA at any level, even seemingly innocuous activities like a tournament bracket pool or picking squares at a Super Bowl party.

A friend of mine came to faith in his 60s right after, in his words, “Coming off of a 3-day drunk and dropping $50,000 in the Super Bowl.” And how did he get his start gambling? Playing penny poker in the Marines – a “seemingly innocuous” activity.

The real message here is that just because society’s standards are changing doesn’t mean that something that used to be considered wrong or unwise is now OK. We need to be careful not to get sucked in.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5.15 – 17, ESV)

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6.9 – 11, ESV)