Advocacy, Policy & Public Speaking
The Gambling Industry's Unprecedented Expansion: A Public Health Risk
Gambling is highly accessible with constant action and rapid play available on every phone, tablet, and computer. With the use of celebrity influencers, misleading offers, enticing promotions, and powerful sports partnerships, online gambling has become increasingly normalized. This presents additional risk to people struggling with a gambling problem.
Since gambling is an addictive product, prevention of harm must become a public health issue.
There is an urgent need to replace the "responsible gaming" model of industry self-regulation with a sustainable public health approach. Public policy must focus on regulating the gambling industry and online gambling products to prevent the risk of gambling addiction and gambling-related harm.
Dr. Harry Levant: Director of Gambling Policy
As the Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University, we are at the forefront of efforts to bring about much-needed change to the way gambling is regulated and promoted. We believe that the current state of the industry, with its easy accessibility and aggressive advertising, poses a looming public health crisis.
One of our key goals is to reframe gambling as an issue of public health, on par with drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and other addictive products. We believe that by raising awareness of the risks associated with gambling and online gambling, policymakers can develop a comprehensive public health response designed to prevent harm and save lives.
Speaking Out to Put an End to Gambling Addiction & Suffering
Throughout my speaking engagements, I address the unprecedented expansion of the gambling industry and what needs to be done to address the public health risk. A public health approach is vitally important to regulators, elected officials, business leaders, the public, and any group that might be susceptible to falling victim to easily accessible, and increasingly dangerous forms of online gambling.
Prevention is the best form of treatment. I am available to speak to any organization that would benefit from open discussion and discourse about the public health approach to preventing gambling-related harm and gambling addiction. This can include:
- News Programs
- Counselors/Therapists
- Schools
- Universities
- Policymakers
- Business Leaders
- Community Groups
Featured Speaking Engagements
60 Minutes Appearance
CNN Appearance
Senate Judiciary Committee Meeting
"America's High Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling"
What Reforms are Needed?
As Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute, I am working for a comprehensive public health response. This includes affordability checks, loss limits, regulation of advertising, appropriate bans on micro-betting and artificial intelligence, along with improved access to healthcare for those struggling with gambling disorder. These reforms are crucial to preventing gambling addiction and gambling-related harm.
My dedication to public policy reform is driven by my desire to make a difference in the lives of those affected by gambling addiction. This advocacy work is a testament to my commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life free from the grips of gambling disorder.
Want to learn more, get involved, or schedule an interview? Reach out today - let's start a dialogue.