LDS Leader Denounced Gambling at General Conference

D. Todd Christofferson urged members to avoid sports betting and lotteries during a fall conference address.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints

Gouache-painted illustration of a single wooden coin resting on a fabric surface, evoking a quiet tone of personal stewardship. — Elder D. Todd Christofferson called on Latter-day Saints during the church's fall General Conference to avoid gambling, labeling it an activity that lacks personal value. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Elder D. Todd Christofferson called for a total cessation of gambling activities among Latter-day Saints during the church's fall General Conference in Salt Lake City. He identified modern technology, specifically smartphones, as a catalyst for continuous and private betting.

Why it matters

The church teaches that gambling is morally problematic because it prioritizes obtaining gains at others' expense rather than fostering personal stewardship. Leaders emphasize that members should avoid activities that lack inherent value.

Data indicates that 36% of boys aged 11 to 17 and 49% of 17-year-olds have engaged in wagering. Additionally, journalist McKay Coppins reported losing nearly $10,000 during an investigation into the accessibility of sports betting.

The players

D. Todd Christofferson

He is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks

He serves as a high-ranking leader in the church and has previously addressed the moral implications of gambling.

McKay Coppins

He is a journalist who investigated the prevalence of sports betting by documenting personal financial losses.

The details

Christofferson utilized personal anecdotes and industry statistics to warn against the normalization of betting platforms. He explicitly cited the smartphone as a tool that enables constant access to wagers, urging the congregation to prioritize productive stewardships.

Dallin H. Oaks spoke against lotteries and parimutuel gambling in 1987.
Gambling statistics among minors reflect activities reported throughout 2025.
McKay Coppins presented findings at BYU in September 2026.
The General Conference address occurred on October 3, 2026.

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Culture Shift

This stance reinforces the church's historical opposition to games of chance, mirroring the moral warnings provided by Dallin H. Oaks in 1987. It signals a broader push within the faith to maintain traditional stewardship values despite the rise of ubiquitous digital betting.

Members are encouraged to evaluate their personal financial habits and avoid digital betting platforms that facilitate easy access to wagers. This guidance suggests a shift toward more cautious financial behavior and a potential reduction in participation for those adhering to church teachings.

The takeaway

The speech serves as a reminder to prioritize financial discipline and value-based stewardship in an era of accessible digital gambling. Readers are encouraged to consider the long-term impacts of small wagers on their personal finances and moral priorities.