Religious Affiliation Doesn’t Stop Sports Betting, Study Finds—Catholic Men Most Likely to Wager
A surprising new study from Ohio State University reveals that religious beliefs don’t necessarily deter people from sports betting—and in some cases, they may even play a role in encouraging it. The research, published this week, found that Catholics—particularly Catholic men—are the most likely religious group to place bets on sports.
The Unexpected Link Between Faith and Gambling
Contrary to long-held assumptions, the study suggests that religion doesn’t uniformly discourage gambling. Instead, the relationship is far more nuanced. While frequent churchgoers were less likely to gamble, those who attended services only occasionally were actually more likely to bet on sports than non-attendees.
“Our findings show that sports gambling behaviors are shaped by religious identities, cultures, and practices—but not in the way many might expect,” said Chris Knoester, co-author of the study and sociology professor at Ohio State University.
The research, conducted with Laura Upenieks of Baylor University, analyzed responses from 3,701 adults who participated in the National Sports and Society Survey (NSASS) between late 2018 and early 2019. This period followed the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal ban on sports betting, a ruling that unleashed a wave of legalized gambling across the U.S.
Who’s Betting—And How Much?
Key findings from the study include:
- 17% of respondents admitted to betting on sports in the past year.
- Men (20%) were more likely to gamble than women (15%).
- Catholics—especially Catholic men—topped the list of religious groups most likely to wager.
- The average bettor reported spending $57 annually on sports gambling.
“The average person isn’t betting thousands of dollars,” Knoester noted. “For most, it’s an occasional, low-stakes activity—almost like buying a lottery ticket.”
The “Halfway In, Halfway Out” Effect
One of the most intriguing findings was that infrequent churchgoers (those attending once or twice a year) were more likely to gamble than both regular attendees and those who never attended services.
“This challenges the idea that any religious exposure automatically discourages morally risky behavior,” the researchers wrote.
Upenieks added, “Different religious traditions treat gambling very differently. Religion doesn’t uniformly suppress sports betting in the U.S.”
What’s Driving the Trend?
The study didn’t pinpoint why certain religious groups gamble more, but researchers speculate that cultural factors—such as social acceptance of gambling in some communities—may play a role.
With sportsbooks now handling over $150 billion in bets annually, understanding these patterns is more important than ever. As legalized gambling expands, the study raises new questions about how faith, leisure, and risk-taking intersect in modern society.
— Reported by Nexio News
