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Public health advocates take on sports gambling in first-of-its-kind summit in Boston
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Good news, parents. It's the last (week)day of April vacation. (Now that I'm a parent I totally get that classic Staples back-to-school commercial.) If you're looking for something to do with the kids today or this weekend, check out our rundown. But first, the news:
Betting on it: A first-of-its-kind summit is taking place in Boston today, focused on the public health impacts of online gambling. It's being put on by Northeastern University's Public Health Advocacy Institute, which has used the law and the courts to fight issues from gun violence to tobacco. Harry Levant, director of gambling policy at the institute, told WBUR's Amy Sokolow that the online gambling industry is "out of control" and causing a public health crisis. "This is a conference about advocacy, action and results," he told Amy. "This conference continues the effort to bring comprehensive public health regulation of the gambling industry and its sports partners." Levant speaks from firsthand experience: The former lawyer struggled with problem gambling, stealing millions from his clients to fund his addiction. He now works as a therapist, helping others with the problem.
- Among the scheduled speakers is New York University professor and cultural anthropologist Natasha Dow Schüll, who studies technology and addiction. Her research was highlighted in an NPR story this week about the ways Big Tech gets kids (and adults) superglued to screens — with tricks borrowed from the gambling industry.
- Zoom in: A bill pending at the State House, called The Bettor Health Act, would create restrictions around sports betting, from banning ads during televised sporting events, to prohibiting in-play and prop bets. It would also sharply raise the state excise tax on online and mobile wagering to 51% of gross receipts, from the current 20%. The bill's sponsor, state Sen. John Keenan, is speaking at the summit.
- Meanwhile, in court: Just last month the institute filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts on behalf of a Dorchester man alleging DraftKings and FanDuel designed their products to addict users. A separate lawsuit in Pennsylvania against the sportsbooks also targets the NFL and a data company, claiming they offer a “known addictive product.”
- The personal cost: Sports betting was legalized in Massachusetts in 2023. For some young people, it's been disastrous. WBUR's Patrick Madden spoke with those who have lost thousands of dollars and jeopardized relationships because of their addiction.
A Grand Old Party: It's a big weekend if you're a Republican candidate for governor — or plan to vote in the primary for one. The party's election-year convention takes place in Worcester tomorrow. And it's a big test for the three men competing for the party's gubernatorial nomination, Mike Minogue, Brian Shortsleeve and Mike Kennealy. They each need 15% of delegates' votes to make it to the September primary ballot, WBUR's Chris Van Buskirk reports, and 50% if they want the MassGOP's endorsement. Whoever wins the party's endorsement will likely ask their competitors to rally behind them.
- Anything could happen: MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale told Chris that the live crowd makes the convention unpredictable. "Even though candidates think they may have a number of delegates locked in, speeches matter and dynamics matter," she said. "Things can change."
- Dive deeper: Want to know more about the three candidates vying to run against Gov. Maura Healey? Chris profiled each of them: Kennealy, Minogue and Shortsleeve. You can also read about how they'd deal with Trump and other hot topics this election.
A whale-y good day: Today is right whale day in Massachusetts. (And I know the perfect dessert to celebrate with.) The four-year-old holiday celebrates the importance of protecting the critically endangered species. Right whales are the state's official marine mammal and there's only about 380 left of them in the world. The New England Aquarium is holding whale-themed activities throughout the day to celebrate. Festivities start at 10 a.m. and feature Calvin, a 42-foot-long inflatable right whale.
- Flipping good: There's been some positive news lately on the right whale front. Back in January, scientists spotted 33 right whales off the coast of Cape Cod — much earlier than the usual peak in March or April. And more whales have been born this calving season than in all of last season. Moms and their babies come to Cape Cod Bay for the good eating and relative safety.
P.S.— Boston health officials said a passenger recently passed through Logan Airport with what disease? Take our Boston News Quiz and test your knowledge of this week's stories.
