Search Results for: gambling

Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) Calls for Overhaul of “Responsible Gambling” Model

Press Release /

Boston, MA (July 18, 2024) – As the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) gathered for their annual conference in San Diego this week, the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI)—a nonprofit research center for public health laws affiliated with Northeastern University School of Law— released a new video to highlight the ethical and scientific failure of the “Responsible Gambling” model. Under the direction of its president, Professor Richard Daynard, Executive Director Mark Gottlieb, and Director of Gambling Policy Dr. Harry Levant, PHAI is leading the efforts to replace the Responsible Gambling model with a comprehensive public health response to the unprecedented expansion of the gambling industry and online gambling. PHAI will be advocating for and advancing much-needed public health reform and regulation at both the federal and state levels. The new video, which can be found here on the PHAI website, analyzes key flaws in the Responsible Gambling model—an approach favored by both the gambling industry, and the gambling-industry-funded NCPG.  In the video, Dr. Levant highlights the situation’s urgency, stating “The expansion of online gambling without appropriate safeguards and regulation is an industry-driven ‘wild west’ environment, resulting in a looming public health crisis.” President Daynard echoed this statement by criticizing the current Responsible Gambling model: “The Responsible Gambling model puts the onus on the customer, rather than focusing on the irresponsible design and marketing decisions of the gambling industry.” Professor Gottlieb also emphasized the need for change. “The time has come to expose the failures of the Responsible Gambling model and move forward with a public health approach to regulation and reform,” he said. PHAI continues to establish itself as a critical voice for proper regulation and restraint as the gambling industry grows. In December 2023, PHAI’s Center for Public Health Litigation filed a class action lawsuit against online gambling giant DraftKings, alleging false advertising related to DraftKings promotional offerings. The lawsuit made national headlines and was featured in such media as CBS News’ 60 Minutes, CNN, and National Public Radio (NPR).  About The Public Health Advocacy Institute The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) is a non-profit legal research center focused on public health law located at Northeastern University School of Law. In 2014, PHAI formed the Center for Public Health Litigation, a nonprofit law firm, which uses the civil justice system to improve public health by focusing on litigation targeting tobacco industry products, unhealthy foods, deceptive health marketing, and deceptive gambling practices.  To learn more about PHAI, visit phai.org. Primary Contact: Public Health Advocacy Institute 617-373-2026 Dr. Harry Levant, harry@phai.org Media Contact: PRCG | Haggerty LLC (212) 683-8100 Sandra Prendergast, sprendergast@prcg.com

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PHAI Welcomes Dr. Harry Levant as Director of Gambling Policy

Press Release /

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Boston, MA (June 26, 2024) – The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), a non-profit legal research center focused on public health law, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Harry Levant as its new Director of Gambling Policy.  At Northeastern University, Harry has conducted extensive research dedicated to developing a public health approach to prevent harm related to gambling and gambling disorders. He is also an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-I).  As Director of Gambling Policy, Dr. Levant will lead PHAI’s efforts in developing and promoting policies that protect public health and reduce gambling-related harm.  Harry holds a Doctorate in Law and Policy (LPD) from Northeastern University and a Master’s in Professional Clinical Counseling from La Salle University. He is a published author in various journals, newspapers, and magazines and frequently appears on television and radio to discuss gambling disorder prevention and treatment.  “It is a privilege to join Richard Daynard, Mark Gottlieb, and our team at the Public Health Advocacy Institute,” says Harry Levant. “I look forward to helping lead the response to the looming public health disaster caused by the rapid expansion of the gambling industry and online gambling.” “We are thrilled to welcome Harry to our team,” said Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director of PHAI. “His dedication, commitment, and experience in gambling policy will be critical as we work to address gambling-related issues as a public health crisis.” In December of 2023, PHAI and its Center for Public Health Litigation filed a class action lawsuit against DraftKings in Massachusetts. Dr. Levant emphasized the urgency of this action, stating, “The time has come to bring public health reform and regulation to the gambling industry because lives are in the balance.” In his new role, Harry will continue to play a crucial role in supporting this ongoing effort. About The Public Health Advocacy Institute The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) is a non-profit legal research center focused on public health law located at Northeastern University School of Law. In 2014, PHAI formed the Center for Public Health Litigation, a nonprofit law firm, which uses the civil justice system to improve public health by focusing on litigation targeting tobacco industry products, unhealthy foods, deceptive health marketing, and deceptive gambling practices.  To learn more about PHAI, visit phai.org.

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Harry Levant, PHAI’s Gambling Policy Advisor, Featured on KMX News LA

Predatory Gambling​, Sports Betting /

Harry Levant, PHAI’s Gambling Policy Advisor, was featured on KMX News Los Angeles discussing the recent firing of Ippei Mizuhara, the interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani. The dismissal occurred Wednesday afternoon after suspicions arose of Mizuhara taking funds from Ohtani for illegal gambling activities. Give the interview a listen by downloading the link below.

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PHAI to Host International Webinar on the Myth of the Responsible Gambling Model

Conferences, Predatory Gambling​, Uncategorized /

It\’s Not the Dough, it\’s the Dopamine: The Dangerous Myth of the Responsible Gambling Model
How the gambling industry misleads regulators and imperils the public’s health. . . and what we can do about it!
An unprecedented Zoom event during Problem Gambling Awareness Month

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Dec. Issue of Atlantic: PHAI’s Daynard and Friedman Comment in Powerful Gambling Addiction Article

News /

In a powerful long-form article by by John Rosengren covers the impact of gambling addiction and the predatory casino industry.  The article, entitled “How Casinos Enable Gambling Addicts,” details the ways that electronic gambling machines, like slot machines, along with outrageously predatory tactics used by casinos to bait problem gamblers, combine to destroy the lives of gamblers and their families. The well-written and deeply researched piece quotes Northeastern University Distinguished Professor of Law and PHAI President, Richard A. Daynard along with PHAI Senior Staff Attorney Lissy Friedman . Gambling is a public health issue that causes or exacerbates psychiatric disorders, alcoholism, and substance abuse.  Addicted gamblers are at dramatically increased risk for suicide and may steal to continue gambling.  Casinos do not deliver on the economic promises they make and often contribute to economic problems at the community level. PHAI seeks to use legal and policy measures to reduce the public health impact of predatory gambling.

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PHAI Finds Online Fantasy Sports Gambling Operators in “Clear” Violation of Massachusetts Law

News, Predatory Gambling​, Press Release /

A review by a prominent public interest law organization based in Boston revealed that online sports gambling operators like DraftKings are in “clear” violation of Massachusetts law. The findings were included in an October 16th legal memo to Attorney General Maura Healey’s office that was prepared by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at Northeastern University. PHAI, led by Northeastern University Distinguished Professor of Law Richard Daynard, is nationally-recognized for its effective legal advocacy combating the epidemics caused by tobacco and obesity. In contrast, Attorney General Healey, has publicly said the law regarding online fantasy sports gambling is “unclear.” “The lack of any action to stop the illegal business of online fantasy sports gambling and look the other way or wait until some future legislative action allows it sends the wrong message: that it is acceptable to engage in an illegal business now and, if it generates enough revenue, wait until lobbyists and corporate interests change its legal status,” said Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director of PHAI. PHAI conducted its review after being contacted by Stop Predatory Gambling, a national government reform group against state-sponsored gambling operations. The findings of PHAI’s review include: “The internet gambling operations run by DraftKings and FanDuel are predatory, deceptive, illegal and coming at the expense of everyday citizens,” said Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling.

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PHAI Presentation Highlights Similarities in Tactics of Tobacco and Gambling Industries

Conferences, Predatory Gambling​, Tobacco /

On October 30, 2014 at Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), in association with the Boston Alliance for Community Health (BACH), hosted a forum focusing on common tactics and strategies of two predatory industries: tobacco and casino gambling. It featured Northeastern University Distinguished Professor Richard Daynard, David Aronstein, Director of BACH, and PHAI\’s Executive Director Mark Gottlieb. The featured speaker was PHAI\’s Senior Staff Attorney Lissy Friedman, who presented powerful evidence demonstrating eerie similarities between the two industries. The forum was especially timely in Massachusetts as voters there are about to weigh in on a first-in-the-nation ballot initiative to repeal the legalization of casinos in the state. The proceedings were recorded and are presented here:

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PHAI Files Amicus Brief Comparing Gambling and Tobacco Industries

Legal Filings, Predatory Gambling​, Tobacco /

The Public Health Advocacy Institute has filed an amicus curiae brief in an appeal pending before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.  The Plaintiff/Appellants are seeking to reverse a decision of the attorney general and get a question certified for inclusion on the 2014 ballot to repeal a law legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts.  The case is Steven P. Abdow et al., v. Attorney General, et al., No. SJC-11641. Legalized casino gambling causes devastating effects on the public’s health, including not only the gambler but also their families, neighbors, communities and others with whom they interact. Massachusetts voters should not be denied the opportunity to be heard directly on the question of whether to invite a predatory and toxic industry to do business in the Commonwealth. The harm caused by the tobacco industry’s products has been the archetype of a commercial threat to public health, and in considering the introduction of gambling industry casinos into Massachusetts, much can be learned from the object lesson of considering the tobacco industry as a disease vector. The predatory gambling industry shares much in common with the tobacco industry. Some examples of the similarities are: Casinos employ electronic gambling machines that are designed to addict their customers in a way that is similar to how the tobacco industry formulates its cigarettes to be addictive by manipulating their nicotine levels and other ingredients. Mirroring the tobacco industry’s strategy of creating scientific doubt where none truly exists, the casino industry has co-opted and corrupted scholarship on the effects of gambling through the use of front groups that funnel money to beholden scientists who are able to sanitize its origin. Borrowing another tobacco industry technique of shaping the debate around its products, by creating a misleading lexicon and using euphemisms, the casino industry has tried to influence debate, deflect criticism and mislead the public about its role as a disease vector. By employing personal and corporate responsibility rhetoric honed by the tobacco industry, the casino industry hopes to gain and maintain social acceptability and stave off litigation, regulation and citizen-driven activism. Both the tobacco and casino industries profit from preying upon society’s most vulnerable members, acting as disease vectors which adversely affect the physical, emotional and social health of the individual users and the communities where use of the products is prevalent. The brief declares that the voters of the Commonwealth should be allowed to act on their own behalf in expressing an opinion of this type of predatory behavior. The power of the citizen ballot initiative is the ultimate in personal responsibility, agency and self-determination. Therefore, PHAI asks the court to compel the attorney general to certify the Plaintiffs’/Appellants’ petition and allow the repeal measure to be included on the 2014 ballot. The full brief can be downloaded here.

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PHAI Joins Congressional Leaders to Unveil the SAFE Bet Act to Address Sports Betting Risks

Press Release, Sports Betting /

Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at the Northeastern University School of Law, was pleased to support Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) this week in introducing the SAFE Bet Act, which addresses the risks associated with legalized gambling. The SAFE Bet Act is the first federal legislative initiative to address the vast public health implications of mobile sports betting since sports betting was legalized in 2018. When the SAFE Bet Act is enacted, federal standards will be set to create a safer and less addictive betting environment. While still allowing the freedom for those who wish to participate, these standards will include addressing advertising, affordability, and artificial intelligence issues. PHAI’s President and Northeastern University Distinguished Professor of Law, Richard Daynard, said: “PHAI’s mission is to serve the greater good by seeking big ideas to advance public health and justice. That is why we’re fully dedicated to playing a leading role in work to bring about a comprehensive public health response to the looming crisis presented by the out-of-control gambling industry.” “The gambling industry is following a playbook developed by the tobacco industry and this is a direct threat to public health,” Daynard added. “At PHAI, we will work tirelessly to address this threat and protect public health. Supporting the SAFE Bet Act is part of this effort.” PHAI Executive Director, Mark Gottlieb: “It is my desire to play an important role in national and international efforts to develop and implement a public health approach to regulating the gambling industry and online gambling. At PHAI, we utilize a wide range of resources—including litigation and advocacy—to protect public health. It has become apparent that the gambling industry and its partners act with conscious and reckless disregard for public safety. Collaborating with Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal to create the SAFE Bet Act is one part of how PHAI will bring a public health response to the gambling industry.” “As the Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute it is my role to develop comprehensive public health strategies and advocacy efforts to address the looming crisis being caused by the unprecedented expansion of the gambling industry and online gambling” added Dr. Harry Levant, PHAI Director of Gambling Policy. “The ‘responsible gaming’ model of industry self-regulation is unethical and an abject failure. At PHAI, we will help lead a growing movement to expose the failures of the gambling industry’s ‘responsible gaming; model. In doing so, we will develop and help implement a series of comprehensive public health reforms designed to regulate the gambling industry, prevent harm, and protect individuals and families. It is a privilege to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work to advance the SAFE Bet Act.” “Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity.” Congressman Tonko said. “That resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.” At the press conference, Senator Blumenthal said: “Right now, states have legalized gambling, but they failed to protect citizens against those excesses, abuses, and exploitations. State regulation is faint-hearted and half-baked. That’s why we need a national standard–not to ban gambling–but simply to take back control over an industry that is out of bounds.” In December 2023, PHAI and its Center for Public Health Litigation filed a class action suit against DraftKings in Massachusetts that garnered nationwide headlines. In August, a judge in Massachusetts denied DraftKings motion to dismiss, allowing the litigation to move forward. Watch the press conference event here:

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