SOUTH CAROLINA BAPTIST CONVENTION PUBLIC POLICY

*ACTION ALERT*

Last week, close to 80 pastors across several denominations came together at the Statehouse to speak out against gambling.  You can watch the press conference here.

On Thursday, it appeared H4176 (the casino bill) was dead for this session.  However, over the weekend, the gambling interests have been working the phones and now, it looks like there will be a vote on the floor of the House on Wednesday.  Conservative leaders who opposed the bill have loaded it up with amendments.  The hope is the bill will be sent back to the Ways and Means Committee where it will stay until the 2026 session.

However, we cannot take anything for granted.  Please reach out to your SC state representative and let them know you oppose building a casino anywhere in South Carolina. 

Also, the Senate held a surprise special Finance Committee Subcommittee meeting this morning to consider the pari-mutuel gambling bill on horse racing.  This bill could make it to the floor of the Senate.  Please contact your SC state senator and let them know you oppose introducing and allowing gambling on horse racing.  Any bill that expands gambling will pave the way for more forms of gambling. 

You can find your SC House and Senate member here.

Below are my opening comments at last week’s press conference.  The full statement is attached with this email. 

“Since 1983, South Carolina Baptists have passed 20 resolutions against all forms of gambling. The national Southern Baptist Convention has consistently raised it’s collective voice by passing 12 resolutions condemning and opposing gambling.   Based on our biblical convictions and Baptist tradition, we affirm that God’s intended design is for humanity to steward God’s resources, including money, in a manner that reflects the goodness of his provision.  Central to a biblical argument against gambling is that it thrives on exploitation and preys on the vulnerable, namely the economically disadvantaged and those who are at risk of severe gambling addiction.

All people are made in the image of God and every person, regardless of age bears God’s image and possesses inherent dignity.  Gambling dehumanizes individuals by exploiting the poor and vulnerable, turning them into victims of their desire for riches through chance and allowing casino owners and sports wagering companies who promise riches to profit off their losses.  God’s image is further marred by reducing athletes to their monetary value based on the highs and lows of their performance.  The NCAA states that one in three student-athletes have experienced harassment due to sport-betting.  Turning people into commodities based on their athletic ability devalues their inherent dignity and robs them of the respect they deserve as image bearers of God.”

He must increase, I must decrease,

Tony Beam

Policy Consultant

South Carolina Baptist Convention