During World Cup, Argentina’s bishops warn of increased online betting by children and young people

Nearly a month into the World Cup, the soccer tournament still holds the world’s attention, with only 16 of the 48 national teams that started the tournament remaining in contention.

In the shadow of this global spectacle, however, the Catholic Church in Argentina is increasingly concerned about online betting and the gambling addiction it can trigger among users, many of whom are children and adolescents.

Just back from the ordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Ángel Rossi, archbishop of Córdoba in Argentina, gave an interview in which he emphasized the need to listen to “the cries of the world.”

In this context, he spoke about young people, who are often victims “of those who exploit them for drugs, drug trafficking, or betting and gambling.”

“You have children or young people more concerned about whether a goal is scored or if there’s a corner kick, that is, about the bet they placed, than about enjoying the match. It’s sad,” he commented.

Dante Braida, the bishop of La Rioja and president of the bishops’ committee for pastoral ministry to society, also warned of the dangers of betting and the consequences it entails for families.

“Any mobile phone can turn into a casino,” he pointed out, noting how easy it is for minors to access betting platforms.

According to a Red Cross survey, the prelate pointed out, 83% of adolescents who bet do so using digital wallets, and six out of 10 cannot distinguish between a legal and an illegal platform.

Moreover, most of them enter the world of betting influenced by advertising, Braida noted. Although the International Federation of Football Association Football (FIFA, by its French acronym) enforces a “clean venue” policy during the tournament by eliminating advertisements for bookmakers, in Argentina, betting commercials are broadcast repeatedly during hydration breaks and halftime.

The bishop of La Rioja called on those in positions of authority to “do much more to set boundaries and support efforts to change,” and extended this appeal to parents, educators, catechists, and parish communities, urging them to foster environments of dialogue and support.

Currently, the prelate lamented, “casinos are no longer found only around the town square but in young peopleʼs pockets.” Recalling the teachings of Pope Leo XIV in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, he said that technological development can only be considered true progress when it’s at the service of the person and his dignity.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.