WHEREAS, There is now an increasingly large number of compulsive gamblers in the United States, and there are millions of others whose engagement in this immoral effort to get something for nothing contributes to the moral decline and family instability of our nation; and
WHEREAS, Gambling is beyond reasonable question the lifeblood of organized crime, now producing an estimated $30 billion for their morally indefensible and socially destructive enterprises; and
WHEREAS, The current economic crisis which our nation faces has become the occasion for the gambling industry to press with unprecedented vigor and on an unprecedented scale for legalized casinos, lotteries, racing, and other gambling schemes, especially preying upon those who can least afford it.
Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That we, the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention assembled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 14-16, 1983, express our deep concern for the millions of families which are being grievously hurt by gambling and that we affirm our determination to minister in Christ’s name to them; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we call on Southern Baptists to oppose as an extremely serious threat to our nation’s moral well-being and economic health the current initiatives of the gambling interest to extend their sinister influence; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That Southern Baptists be encouraged to counter the gambling interests’ aggressiveness and utilize all available political processes in resisting the gambling interests’ current initiatives.