PHI's Director Discusses the Societal Dangers of Legalized Sports Betting

Dr. Harry Levant's Testimony on Legalized Sports Betting

On December 17, 2024, Dr. Harry Levant, the Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), provided impactful testimony to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. This session, titled "America's High-Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling," aimed to scrutinize the rapid increase in sports betting since its legalization in 2018 and its potential dangers, especially for young sports enthusiasts.

Dr. Levant articulated significant worries regarding the surge in sports gambling and the resulting addiction issues that have escalated since the landmark Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. NCAA. He discussed the impact of sports betting not only on individual bettors but also on their families, underscoring the dire need for public health-based strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of legalized gambling.

With years of advocacy and counseling experience in the gambling sector, Dr. Levant is acutely aware of the repercussions of gambling addiction. His personal journey as a recovering gambling addict informs his professional insights, supplemented by his qualifications, including a Master's in Professional Clinical Counseling and a Doctorate in Law and Public Policy.

During his testimony, Dr. Levant expressed concerns about aggressive marketing tactics used by the gambling industry, including widespread advertisement across various media channels. He stated, "In aggressively marketing and promoting sports gambling through broadcast advertising, internet ads, social media, in-app notifications, and steering viewers toward certain gambling products during the broadcast of games, our relationship with sports has shifted to a relationship with gambling."

He emphasized that prioritizing harm prevention is far more beneficial than reacting to issues post-factum. “Simply put, prevention of harm is the best form of treatment. I consider myself duty bound to utilize the totality of my professional training and personal experience to help lead the movement for public health reform with the goal of preventing gambling addiction and gambling-related harm,” he added during the hearing.

Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director of PHAI, highlighted the importance of Dr. Levant's testimony, stating that it helped committee members distinguish between the gambling industry's 'responsible gaming model' and a comprehensive public health approach designed to tackle the harms inflicted by sports betting. This approach emphasizes the necessity of preemptive actions over remedial measures that come into play only after significant harm has been done.

The hearing also featured various other important testimonies from prominent figures in the sports world, including NCAA President Charlie Baker and former NFL player Johnson Bademosi. Notable legal perspectives were shared by former New Jersey Assistant Attorney General David Rebuck and Executive Director Keith Whyte from the National Council on Problem Gambling.

PHAI's commitment to addressing gambling-related issues is further demonstrated by their current class action lawsuit against DraftKings in Massachusetts. This litigation has gained considerable national attention, especially after a Massachusetts judge recently denied DraftKings’ motion to dismiss the case. PHAI continues to advocate for public health measures as a response to the rising concern over gambling addiction and the societal harm caused by sports betting.

In summary, Dr. Levant's testimony serves as a crucial reminder of the potential risks associated with legalized sports betting. His call to action aims to galvanize preventative strategies, which could save individuals and families from the devastating impacts of gambling addiction. For more information on PHAI, you can visit their official website at phai.org.