Public Health Advocacy Institute Responds to NCAA Decision to Sell Gambling Data to Sportsbooks
The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) has issued a critical response to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regarding its recent partnership with Genius Sports, aimed at providing real-time sports data to the gambling sector. This collaboration raises significant concerns about the potential impact on public health and the welfare of student-athletes.
### Concerns Over Commercial Interests and Athlete Safety
PHAI’s press release highlights a troubling assertion: the NCAA appears to prioritize financial gain over the health and safety of student-athletes. This partnership is designed to usher in AI-driven micro-betting on college sports—a betting model centered on wagering specific moments within a game. According to PHAI, micro-betting represents one of the most perilous forms of online sports gambling, known for its addictive potential.
### Amplifying the Risk of Gambling Addiction
With the integration of artificial intelligence into gambling practices, companies are creating new avenues for engaging bettors, including those at risk of problem gambling. PHAI warns that this trend could exacerbate issues related to gambling addiction and associated harms.
Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy at PHAI, argues that the NCAA’s assertion that data sales will mitigate risks associated with prop betting is misguided. He states, “The NCAA has increased the risk of harm. Individuals will now bet on nearly every action of college players during games.” He further critiques the NCAA’s justification for this partnership, likening it to the tobacco industry funding education while promoting harmful products.
### A Missed Opportunity for Leadership
Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director of PHAI, remarks that the NCAA missed a pivotal chance to lead in the growing movement advocating for public health reforms in the gambling industry. “The public health movement seeks to regulate gambling as an addictive product. Instead, the NCAA opted for revenue generated from gambling, which heightens the risks of intense micro-betting and its accompanying addiction, detrimental effects on players, family members, and society at large.”
### Calls for Comprehensive Public Health Reform
Richard Daynard, Founder and President of PHAI, asserts that the NCAA’s decision to align with the gambling sector further emphasizes the necessity for a complete public health response that addresses gambling-related issues at both state and federal levels. “PHI will persist in its leadership role, striving to safeguard public welfare through critical measures aimed at regulating the uncontrolled gambling industry.”
### Ignoring Long-term Consequences
Dr. Levant points out that the NCAA has overlooked the long-term implications of its deal: “This agreement with Genius also benefits the National Football League (NFL), a key stakeholder in Genius. We have consistently observed that the gambling industry and its sports and media allies prioritize profits over the public good. This reality underscores the essential nature of our work at PHAI, which is only beginning.”
### Legal Action Against DraftKings
In a significant legal action, PHAI and its Center for Public Health Litigation initiated a class-action lawsuit against DraftKings in December 2023. Importantly, in August 2024, a Massachusetts judge rejected DraftKings’ motion to dismiss the case, permitting the litigation to advance.
### Conclusion
As the gambling industry evolves, it is crucial for stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and organizations like PHAI, to lead conversations on responsible gambling practices. A focus on public health must remain at the forefront of discussions to mitigate addiction risks and ensure the welfare of student-athletes and the broader community.
