PHAI Press Commentary on Predatory Gambling
Well known for its pioneering work to hold tobacco companies liable for their products’ harms through litigation, Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) — and its Center for Public Health Litigation — recently turned its attention to online gambling. On December 8, 2023, PHAI, filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Massachusetts citizens who opened DraftKings Sportsbook accounts in response to a $1,000 bonus sign-up promotion that the gambling company widely advertised.
Recent Press and Editorials
“The Man Who Took On Big Tobacco Has a New Target: Sports Betting,” TIME (January 27, 2024).
“‘A Serious Disease’: Congress Weighs Federal Gambling Crackdown Amid Growing Concerns,” The Guardian (December 22, 2024).
“Pushing for Standards on Wagers,” The Day (December 22, 2024).
“With Sports Gambling Surging, Federal Regulation Is Discussed,” The New York Times (December 17, 2024).
“U.S. Senate Starts a Sports Betting ‘Discussion’ — But Where Will it Go?,” Covers (December 17, 2024).
“Welch Holds Fanduel and Draftkings Accountable for Pushing Addictive Gambling Practices,” Vermont Biz (December 17, 2024).
“Sports Betting’s Day of Reckoning: Senate Meets on Athlete Harassment, Prop Betting,” MassLive (December 12, 2024).
“Senate Hearing Kicks Off Federal US Sports Betting Scrutiny,” Legal Sports Report (December 10, 2024).
“PHAI Calls for Overhaul of “Responsible Gambling” Model,” PHAI Press Release (July 18, 2024).
“Is Online Gambling a Public Health Threat?,” CNN’s The Assignment (with Audie Cornish) (April 4, 2024).
“Sports Betting is Booming, But at What Cost?” WBUR’s On Point (April 2, 2024).
‘Wild West Scenario’: Northeastern Activists Aim to Restrict Sports Betting,” The Boston Globe (March 26, 2024).
“Federal Sports Betting Bill Is Introduced With Assist From Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute,” Northeastern Global News (March 19, 2024).
“This ‘Legend’ Fought Big Tobacco and Won. Now, He’s Targeting a New ‘Public Health Threat',” CNN Business (February 8, 2024).
“With Popularity of Online Sports Betting, Gambling Counselors See More Young Men Battling Addiction,” KDKA CBS News Pittsburgh (February 6, 2024).
“Sports Betting Boom Fuels Concerns Over Problem Gambling,” CBS News 60 Minutes (February 4, 2024).
“At 80, the Legendary Professor Who Beat Big Tobacco Takes on Sports Betting,” Northeastern Global News (February 2, 2024).
“Sports Betting is Booming. So Are Calls to Gambling Addiction Helplines,” Market Place (January 23, 2024).
“Brand Protection & Advertising Law News,” Stay Advised (January 2024) (January 2024).
“Targeting Online Gambling, Northeastern Lawyer Who Fought Big Tobacco Sues Draftkings,” The Boston Globe (December 8, 2023).
“Group Sues Draftkings Over $1,000 Sign-up Bonus and Its Fine Print,” NBC10 Boston (December 8, 2023).
“Public Health Advocacy Institute Files Class Action Against Draftkings in Massachusetts,” PHAI Press Release (December 8, 2023).
“You Can Now Buy Tickets for the Massachusetts Lottery Through a 3rd-Party App. Here’s What You Need to Know,” Boston.com (November 9, 2023).
“From Convicted Gambler to Devoted Advocate: Harry Levant’s Journey to Save Others,” Northeastern Global News (September 18, 2023).
“Massachusetts Makes a Losing Bet on Gambling,” The Boston Globe (August 15, 2023).
“The Dark Side of the US Sports Betting Boom,” The Financial Times (August 10, 2023).
“Launch of Online Betting Creates Push for 'Public Health Approach' to Gambling Addiction,” Milford Daily News (March 24, 2023).
Press Contact
Mark Gottlieb
Executive Director, PHAI
(617) 373-8487 | mark@phai.org