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Gambling Policy Expert Speaks to Students on Sports Betting
In January, Dr. Harry Levant, a nationally recognized expert on gambling policy and recovery, spoke to the entire school community in the Werner Centennial Center, encouraging a candid conversation with students about sports betting, technology and public health. “This is not a presentation telling you not to gamble,” explained Levant. “It’s a presentation asking you to understand that there may be more going on than just fun and games.”
Levant explained how legalized sports betting has evolved in recent years, particularly through mobile platforms that allow continuous, real-time wagering. Using videos, ads for online betting, and clarifying statistics, he conveyed how advances in technology and data analytics have made sports betting more accessible and targeted to a younger audience. “We have put sports and gambling together the way chocolate and peanut butter go together in a Reese’s cup,” Levant said. “But maybe that has started a problem.”
Drawing on his professional background as Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University School of Law, a gambling counselor and a licensed therapist, Levant emphasized that gambling disorder is a recognized addiction with dire consequences. He shared, “I’m a gambling addict in recovery, and I’m consciously aware of what we’ve thrust upon all of you.”
Levant actively engaged with students, telling them, “What we’re going to have is an honest conversation. We’re going to have a dialogue.” From asking students to call out definitions of gambling terms, to guessing which states were the first to legalize gambling, Levant stressed the issue of online sports betting is a matter of awareness, education and safety—not a moral judgment.
Levant also urged students to recognize warning signs, seek help when needed and engage in open dialogue with trusted adults. He stressed that prevention and education are critical, particularly as sports betting becomes more normalized nationwide. Levant met with students during lunch later that day to answer their individual questions and to continue having honest conversations.
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Levant explained how legalized sports betting has evolved in recent years, particularly through mobile platforms that allow continuous, real-time wagering. Using videos, ads for online betting, and clarifying statistics, he conveyed how advances in technology and data analytics have made sports betting more accessible and targeted to a younger audience. “We have put sports and gambling together the way chocolate and peanut butter go together in a Reese’s cup,” Levant said. “But maybe that has started a problem.”
Drawing on his professional background as Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University School of Law, a gambling counselor and a licensed therapist, Levant emphasized that gambling disorder is a recognized addiction with dire consequences. He shared, “I’m a gambling addict in recovery, and I’m consciously aware of what we’ve thrust upon all of you.”
Levant actively engaged with students, telling them, “What we’re going to have is an honest conversation. We’re going to have a dialogue.” From asking students to call out definitions of gambling terms, to guessing which states were the first to legalize gambling, Levant stressed the issue of online sports betting is a matter of awareness, education and safety—not a moral judgment.
Levant also urged students to recognize warning signs, seek help when needed and engage in open dialogue with trusted adults. He stressed that prevention and education are critical, particularly as sports betting becomes more normalized nationwide. Levant met with students during lunch later that day to answer their individual questions and to continue having honest conversations.
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