LOTS OF MONEY

I am still thinking about yesterday’s Journal entry on Freewill Offering… talking about money…lots of money.

“In 2024, Americans wagered nearly $150 billion on sports through legal sportsbooks, with the industry generating a record $13.7 billion in revenue. This was a significant increase from 2023, driven by new states legalizing sports betting and overall market growth. 
Key figures for 2024 sports betting:

Amount wagered (Handle): The total amount bet by Americans was nearly $150 billion. This was a 22.2% increase over the total handle in 2023.

Americans also spent $113.3 billion on lottery tickets in 2024, according to the most recent census data. Up 10 billion from 2023.

Credit card debt also increased: In 2024, total U.S. credit card debt reached a record high of approximately $1.16 trillion as of the third quarter, and continued to rise to $1.21 trillion by the end of the year. The average credit card balance for an individual increased to around $6,730. 
The percentage by which total credit card debt grew in 2024: 8.6% increase. 
The average credit card Annual Percentage Rate as of the third quarter of 2024, a record high: 23.37% average APR.

Yikes! There seems to be plenty of Freewill Offering for certain things in our culture…even if we have to ‘charge’ it on a credit card. A lot of bait is thrown out here as well to get folks to participate in these activities. There is Lots of Money out there.

“Give as freely as you have received!” Jesus