Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at the Northeastern University School of Law has supported Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) last week in introducing the SAFE Bet Act, which addresses the risks associated with legalized gambling.

The SAFE Bet Act is the first federal legislative initiative to address the vast public health implications of mobile sports betting since sports betting was legalized in 2018. When the SAFE Bet Act is enacted, federal standards will be set to create a safer and less addictive betting environment. While still allowing the freedom for those who wish to participate, these standards will include addressing advertising, affordability, and artificial intelligence issues.

PHAI’s President and Northeastern University Distinguished Professor of Law, Richard Daynard, said: “PHAI’s mission is to serve the greater good by seeking big ideas to advance public health and justice. That is why we’re fully dedicated to playing a leading role in work to bring about a comprehensive public health response to the looming crisis presented by the out-of-control gambling industry.”

“The gambling industry is following a playbook developed by the tobacco industry and this is a direct threat to public health. At PHAI, we will work tirelessly to address this threat and protect public health. Supporting the SAFE Bet Act is part of this effort,” Daynard added.

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PHAI Executive Director Mark Gottlieb said: “It is my desire to play an important role in national and international efforts to develop and implement a public health approach to regulating the gambling industry and online gambling. At PHAI, we utilize a wide range of resources—including litigation and advocacy—to protect public health. It has become apparent that the gambling industry and its partners act with conscious and reckless disregard for public safety. Collaborating with Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal to create the SAFE Bet Act is one part of how PHAI will bring a public health response to the gambling industry.”

“As the Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute it is my role to develop comprehensive public health strategies and advocacy efforts to address the looming crisis being caused by the unprecedented expansion of the gambling industry and online gambling. The ‘responsible gaming’ model of industry self-regulation is unethical and an abject failure. At PHAI, we will help lead a growing movement to expose the failures of the gambling industry’s responsible gaming model. In doing so, we will develop and help implement a series of comprehensive public health reforms designed to regulate the gambling industry, prevent harm, and protect individuals and families. It is a privilege to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work to advance the SAFE Bet Act,” said Dr. Harry Levant, PHAI Director of Gambling Policy.

“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people,” Congressman Tonko said.

At the press conference, Senator Blumenthal said: “Right now, states have legalized gambling, but they failed to protect citizens against those excesses, abuses, and exploitations. State regulation is faint-hearted and half-baked. That’s why we need a national standard–not to ban gambling–but simply to take back control over an industry that is out of bounds.”

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SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming and sports betting advisory, has announced its sponsorship of Mr. Olympia 2024, taking place from October 18-20, 2024, in São Paulo’s Anhembi District. This year, SCCG will be supporting its client partner, Pillow Fight Championship (PFC), bringing the action-packed sport to one of the largest bodybuilding events in the world.

The Pillow Fight Championship has captivated audiences worldwide, combining high-energy competition with entertainment, and it will take center stage during Mr. Olympia. Over the course of the three-day event, attendees will be able to witness live PFC battles and even participate in the sport. Situated near the main bodybuilding competition, the PFC arena will offer an exciting addition to the event experience, drawing in fans from across Latin America.

Leading up to the event, SCCG will spearhead a 30-day content campaign throughout São Paulo, generating buzz and promoting PFC. Exclusive content, including interviews and behind-the-scenes challenges, will be shared across social media, giving sponsoring brands and fans a chance to connect with the sport in exciting new ways.

“SCCG is honored to sponsor Mr. Olympia 2024 and support our client partner, Pillow Fight Championship. PFC’s rise as a thrilling and unique combat sport aligns perfectly with SCCG’s mission to drive innovation and excitement in sports entertainment. We’re excited to contribute to the growth of this sport and look forward to engaging with the passionate bodybuilding and fitness community at Mr. Olympia,” said Stephen A. Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management.

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Caesars Entertainment Inc. celebrated the first in-person sports wagering location in the state of Maine at the newly opened sports entertainment venue, Oddfellahs, powered by Caesars Sportsbook. Made possible through Caesars Sportsbook’s partnership with First Tracks Investments LLC, the new state-of-the-art sports bar brings in-person sports betting to the Pine Tree State for the first time.

Oddfellahs commemorated its grand opening in the heart of downtown Portland at 55 Market St. with a ceremonial first bet placed by Portland Mayor Mark Dion alongside representatives from Caesars Sportsbook, First Tracks, the Portland City Council, and the Maine Gambling Control Unit.

“We’d like to thank Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Gambling Control Unit, the Portland City Council and the entire state legislature for making today possible. It’s great to see the momentum following our launch of mobile sports wagering in the state through our historic partnership with three of the Wabanaki Nations. With the first in-person sportsbook now operational, we look forward to collaborating with First Tracks on additional in-person opportunities in Maine,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.

“Building something new is always a challenge, but great teams make great things possible. This is an exciting venture for Maine’s harness racing industry, Wabanaki tribes, and sports fans across the state to access a new entertainment venue. We’re excited for whatever comes next and look forward to providing sustainable, responsible opportunitiesopportunities,” said Michael Cianchette, CEO of First Tracks Investments LLC, operator of Oddfellahs.

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Oddfellahs offers sports fans 21 and older full food and beverage service combined with an elevated sports viewing and wagering experience. Full-service sports wagering is available through self-service betting kiosks and a ticket window on-site in addition to convenient cash deposits and withdrawals for Caesars Sportsbook mobile accounts.

Sports fans should expect the ultimate viewing experience modeled after a Vegas-style sportsbook with 36 screens to catch sporting events at any time of the year, including every game of the NFL season. The sports entertainment destination is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, opening at noon on Monday through Thursday and at 11:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, staying open for each day’s advertised games.

Caesars Sportsbook brings its industry-leading reputation in Responsible Gaming to in-person wagering in Maine with a focus on promoting Responsible Gaming. In March and June 2024, Caesars Sportsbook received the prestigious RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council in Ontario, Canada, which recognizes companies that achieve the highest standards for their Responsible Gaming practices.

Caesars enforces an enhanced 21+ gaming policy that ensures Caesars Rewards membership and accounts are only available to individuals 21 and older, where permitted by law. This policy applies to all Caesars Sportsbook in-person and mobile operations in Maine, including at Oddfellahs, where entry is limited to those 21 and older.

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