Dr. Harry Levant Advocates for Federal Regulation of Sports Betting at Senate Hearing

On May 20, 2026, Dr. Harry Levant, the Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), made a powerful statement before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee. His testimony focused on the urgent need for federal regulation of online sports gambling, addressing the ongoing concerns raised by the expansion of this industry throughout the United States.

The Senate subcommittee, led by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), convened a hearing titled "No Sure Bets: Protecting Sports Integrity in America." The hearing brought together experts from various sectors, aiming to explore the impacts of sports betting on American society and the integrity of sports.

During his testimony, Dr. Levant highlighted how the collaborations between sports leagues, data providers, and gambling platforms are altering the perception of professional and collegiate sports among the public. He asserted, "The integrity issue is not just about whether fans can trust the outcome of a game. The sports leagues have sold their integrity to the gambling industry." He decried the financial interests that compromise the genuine nature of sports, lamenting that this shift is causing significant harm to individuals and families involved in gambling activities.

Central to Dr. Levant's argument was the acknowledgment of prediction markets as a form of gambling. He articulated the necessity for Congress to recognize these markets as such and to implement consistent federal standards that govern the expanding sports betting landscape. His assertion that "prediction markets meet the very definition of gambling" emphasizes the pressing need for regulatory oversight.

Other key figures at the hearing included Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association, Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, Scott Sadin, Co-Founder and CEO of Integrity Compliance 360, and the Honorable Patrick McHenry, Senior Advisor for The Coalition for Prediction Markets. Their varied perspectives enriched the discussion about the potential regulatory frameworks that could help safeguard consumers and maintain the integrity of sports.

The Public Health Advocacy Institute has been at the forefront of addressing issues surrounding gambling practices that pose risks to public health. Established in 1979 and based at Northeastern University School of Law, PHAI has continually utilized litigation as a tool to address public health concerns, including those associated with gambling. Recently, the institute filed a landmark lawsuit against well-known companies, including DraftKings and FanDuel, alleging that these entities promote harmful gambling practices through live betting.

Earlier this year, the PHAI and its Center for Public Health Litigation initiated a class-action lawsuit against DraftKings in Massachusetts. Following noteworthy media coverage, a judge’s decision allowed this case to move forward, providing an opportunity for broader public scrutiny and potential reforms in the influence of gambling companies.

Dr. Levant's testimony before the Senate committee underscores the urgent need for cohesive federal guidelines that can mitigate the negative health implications tied to sports betting. As the landscape of gambling continues to evolve, legislative action could play a crucial role in promoting responsible practices and protecting gambling consumers from predatory behaviors.

For more in-depth information about PHAI and its initiatives, please visit phai.org.