The Rise of Online Gambling: A Public Health Crisis in the Making

Human beings have participated in games of chance for thousands of years, but the modern landscape of sports betting has fundamentally changed the game. With the rapid proliferation of online gambling apps like FanDuel and DraftKings, users can now place money on micro-events in real-time as the action unfolds—predicting everything from balls and strikes to free throws and touchdowns.

While the fast-paced nature of these apps offers exciting instant gratification if you win, what begins as simple entertainment is increasingly spiraling into severe addiction. Public health experts are sounding the alarm on this growing crisis, noting that young men are particularly vulnerable to the instant, 24/7 access these platforms provide.

From Problem Gambler to Public Advocate

One of the leading voices addressing this epidemic is Harry Levant. Levant’s understanding of gambling addiction isn’t just clinical—it’s deeply personal.

Levant was once severely addicted to gambling, a struggle that led him to steal money from his own clients to feed his habit. Following his charges, Levant made a profound promise to the court: he would turn his life around and dedicate his future to helping others who had lost control of their lives to gambling.

Today, Levant has made good on that promise. He is a licensed therapist, a dedicated advocate, and currently serves as the Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University. Through his work, Levant helps others struggling with problem gambling navigate the difficult road to recovery while also advocating for systemic changes to address the root of the crisis.

As the accessibility of online sports betting continues to expand, experts like Levant emphasize the urgent need for awareness, regulation, and accessible mental health support. What was once confined to physical casinos is now in the pockets of millions, requiring a public health response that matches the scale and speed of the technology driving the addiction.