In this episode, David and John talk to ex-gambling addict John Allman. Allman shares about the nature of addiction, his testimony of recovery, and the recovery ministry that he is involved in at his church. We also discuss the predatory nature of online sports betting, and the role that advocacy plays reducing its impact in Texas.

Timestamps:

2:50 - How did gambling give you a sense of identity? What are some root causes of addiction?

8:10 - How did you first get involved in sports betting? How did it turn into a downward spiral?

11:52 - How were you able to recover after hitting rock bottom?

15:05 - How has sports betting changed with advances in technology?

20:32 - Whose job is more important, John’s or John’s?

26:02 - John Allman describes the Recovery and Steps ministries at his church.

28:10 - What advice would you give for how to approach someone with a gambling addiction?

31:07 - Do you feel like churches in general overlook the harms of gambling?

34:40 - If gambling is a heart issue, what are your thoughts on the CLC’s efforts to keep sports betting out of Texas?

37:50 - gospelrecoverynetwork.com

38:50 - What is Good?

43:58 - Outtakes

For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).