law in the service of public health

The Public Health Advocacy Institute is a pioneer in the use of litigation and advocacy to protect, defend, and enhance public health.

Our Mission

Through our affiliation with Northeastern University School of Law, we seek big ideas to advance public health and justice.

Our Litigation

Our Center for Public Health Litigation has brought cases across the nation, including landmark tobacco cases, predatory gambling, and more.

Our Values

We are a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to using law and policy to reduce addiction, death, and disease caused by dangerous for-profit products and policies.

in the news

Family & Friends of Gamblers (FFOG) Officially Launches

November 6, 2025 – The Public Health Advocacy Institute is proud to support Family and Friends of Gamblers (FFOG) as they raise a national voice for those harmed by gambling.

PHAI Leaders in CNN's The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper

August 25, 2025 – Our Director of Gambling Policy, Dr. Harry Levant, and Executive Director, Mark Gottlieb, are featured in CNN’s new documentary, Sports Betting: America’s Big Gamble.

PHAI Files Lawsuit Against Caesars Online Casino

June 20, 2025 – PHAI has filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania over Caesars’ dangerous online casino promotion and “pay through bonuses.”

PHAI Files Class Action Against Abbott Labs

January 14, 2025 – PHAI has filed a class action suit against Abbott Labs for misleadingly marketing its “toddler milk” products to parents and caregivers of children aged 12 to 36 months.

60 minutes

On February 4th, 60 Minutes ran a piece on sports betting featuring our President, Richard Daynard, Executive Director Mark Gottlieb, and Director of Gambling Policy, Harry Levant.

Watch the piece to learn more about the harm of legalized sports betting and the predatory practices used by the gambling industry