STREAMWOOD, IL - The game floor at Awana is about to get a lot more interesting. In an effort to encourage more parental participation, leaders at the Christian kids club have decided to allow gambling on the outcome of the students' games and races.

Instead of just passively watching kids hand batons to each other and throw bean bags back and forth, parents and leaders will now be seen screaming for their chosen kid to win so they can cash out in a big payday. Gamblers can place bets in person or via Awana's upcoming SparksBet online app, which is set to turn Awana games into a billion-dollar industry.

"It's something we've considered in the past," said Awana CEO Valerie Bell. "Sports betting is a huge industry and one that generates a ton of revenue. So we figured we'd get in on the ac

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