Dr. Harry Levant Joins U.S. Senate Panel to Address Sports Betting Integrity

Dr. Harry Levant Joins U.S. Senate Subcommittee for Sports Betting Hearing

The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) proudly announces that Dr. Harry Levant, its Director of Gambling Policy, has been invited to participate in a crucial hearing of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy. Scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, this testimony is part of the hearing titled "No Sure Bets: Protecting Sports Integrity in America." It will explore the burgeoning growth of sports betting in the United States and its implications. The hearing will be available via live stream for those wishing to follow the proceedings.

Senator Marsha Blackburn, the Chair of the subcommittee, will lead the session that gathers experts from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive examination of this rapidly evolving topic. Dr. Levant's inclusion is significant, especially following PHAI’s recent International Symposium on Online Gambling and Public Health, which convened experts and advocates from around the world to discuss the implications of sports betting and gambling addiction from a public health perspective.

The panel will include notable figures such as Bill Miller, CEO of the American Gaming Association, and Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, among others. Dr. Levant expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I truly appreciate the chance to join this distinguished panel. I look forward to sharing a public health perspective on sports betting and its broader impacts.”

Mark Gottlieb, the Executive Director of PHAI, emphasized the organization's commitment to understanding the implications of online sports gambling as a vital public health issue affecting participants and their families, as well as the wider sports ecosystem. PHAI, established in 1979, functions as a legal research center at Northeastern University School of Law, focusing on public health law. In 2014, the institute launched the Center for Public Health Litigation to address various health concerns using legal avenues.

The upcoming Senate hearing reflects a growing recognition of the importance of regulation and oversight within the sports betting sphere. As states begin to embrace the prospect of legalized sports wagering, discussions about its health impacts are more critical than ever. With voices like Dr. Levant joining the conversation, stakeholders hope to navigate the complex landscape of gambling's role in American society.

The panel's discussions are set against a backdrop of rapid advancements in technology that have made online gambling more accessible, raising concerns over addiction and public health risks. PHAI's mission continues to be at the forefront of advocating for policies that safeguard public health in the context of evolving gambling practices.

As the date of the hearing approaches, attention will be focused not only on the information shared but also on the potential recommendations that could stem from this pivotal meeting. Monitoring the outcomes will be essential for understanding how policymakers can effectively address the challenges linked to sports betting.

For those interested in more information about PHAI and its initiatives, please visit phai.org.