LDS Church Leader D. Todd Christofferson Condemns Gambling, Mobile Sports Betting

D. Todd Christofferson, a first presidency officer in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, denounced gambling in all forms during the faith’s fall General Conference on Saturday.

D. Todd Christofferson, who is also a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—one of the governing bodies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—addressed the rapid expansion of online gambling during his General Conference sermon in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Christofferson noted that while the faith has long opposed gambling, the practice has become “incredibly pervasive” in recent years.

He highlighted three primary drivers behind the rapid growth: mobile sports betting, iGaming, and online prediction markets.

“Prediction markets allow participants to bet on whether something will or will not happen and when. It can be tied to anything: interest rates, elections, sports, wildfires, or—if you can imagine—the timing of the Second Coming,” Christofferson said to laughs from the congregation. “Where do you go to collect on that bet?”

Gambling Declared ‘Morally Wrong’

During his nearly 13-minute address, Christofferson emphasized that gambling offers no genuine value while distracting people from higher spiritual duties.

“Our resources are stewardships, and the question is not merely whether a purchase is legal, but whether it builds anything—in us, in our families, or in those around us. In the end, gambling produces nothing of value and enriches only its purveyors,” he said.

Christofferson has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since April 2008, following fifteen years in the Presidency of the Seventy and the First Quorum of the Seventy.

In October 2025, he sustained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency under LDS President Dallin H. Oaks.

LDS Health and Moral Commandments

Founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 following the publication of The Book of Mormon, the LDS Church maintains strict moral and dietary standards for its members.

Alongside abstaining from gambling, Latter-day Saints adhere to health guidelines known as the “Word of Wisdom.” Originally received as a revelation by Smith in February 1833, the doctrine commands members to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, coffee, and tea.