#United States #Boston #Online Gambling #Public Health Advocacy Institute #Addiction Prevention

PHAI's Groundbreaking Online Gambling Symposium Set for April 2026

The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) is making history by organizing the first-ever international symposium focused on the public health aspects of online gambling. Scheduled for April 24, 2026, at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, this pivotal event will bring together a diverse group of experts, scholars, and policymakers to discuss the impacts of online sports betting and gambling on public health.

This symposium is particularly timely, following the monumental product liability lawsuits that PHAI initiated against various online gambling entities. The organization's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the online gambling industry has never been more urgent, especially in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to allow states to regulate sports betting. Since that ruling, there's been a surge in accessibility to online betting platforms, raising significant concerns regarding consumer protection and addiction.

A recent Ipsos survey indicated that over half of Americans feel that sports betting compromises the integrity of sports, while many believe it cultivates environments that foster addiction. Given these alarming statistics, the symposium will address the pressing need for comprehensive regulation in the online gambling sector.

Key Topics

The discussions at the symposium will encompass various pressing topics, including:

• - The proliferation of online sports gambling platforms and their implications for public health.
• - Legislative frameworks such as the federal SAFE Bet Act and the Bettor Health Act aimed at controlling risky gambling practices, including microbetting.
• - The growing concerns regarding the gambling industry's attempts at “responsible gaming,” which many view as insufficient.

Notable speakers contributing their insights to this event will include:

• - Professor Charles Livingstone, an expert from Monash University, Australia.
• - U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko and Massachusetts State Senator John Keenan, both advocates for actionable policy changes.
• - Dr. Matt Gaskell, from the UK's National Health Service, specializing in gambling addiction.
• - Professor Richard Daynard, a leading figure in public health advocacy.

Call for Action

PHAI’s Executive Director, Mark Gottlieb, emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks akin to those used for other addictive products. He states, “This symposium embodies our belief that actionable, evidence-based policies are vital in reducing harm and safeguarding public health.” Similarly, Dr. Harry Levant of PHAI describes the urgent need for a unified public health response to the rapid growth of the online gambling industry, which often places profit over safety.

The symposium aims to equip attendees with knowledge and strategies to navigate the complex landscape of public health issues surrounding online gambling.

Panel Discussions
Panels will delve into the failures of the current industry models, the necessity for federal safety regulations, and strategies for mitigating harms to public health. These discussions will pave the way for a coordinated response to combat the addictive practices rampant in the online gambling industry.

For those interested in attending and actively participating in addressing these urgent issues, registration and additional information can be found on the PHAI website.

About PHAI

Founded in 1979, the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at Northeastern University School of Law has consistently been at the forefront of public health legal research. By utilizing litigation as a tool for change, PHAI addresses issues related to unhealthy products and deceptive practices. In a world where online gambling is rapidly becoming a public health crisis, PHAI's efforts are more necessary than ever.

For more details about this groundbreaking event and to learn more about PHAI's initiatives, visit phai.org.