From Battling Big Tobacco to Conquering Sports Betting: The Man Who Takes on New Challenges

On a warm December morning in Boston, Richard Daynard sits at his dining table, watching a Senate hearing on sports betting. With a frustrated sigh, he declares, “Pure horseshit.” His irritation comes from a former gambling regulator who claims that easy betting is simply a matter of consumer demand. Daynard sees it differently. As the president of the Public Health Advocacy Institute, he believes this narrative ignores the serious social problems linked to gambling.

At 81, Daynard has a long history of fighting for public health. In the late 20th century, he played a key role in landmark legal cases against tobacco companies, which led to significant financial settlements. Now, he is focused on the growing issue of sports gambling. He warns that this isn’t just a casual pastime; it can lead to addiction.

In 2024 alone, Americans are projected to wager around $150 billion on sports. This figure is 24% higher than the previous year, with sportsbook operators raking in $14 billion. Over $2.5 billion went to state governments as tax revenue from sports betting, a 19% increase. High-profile celebrities like LeBron James and Peyton Manning are now the faces of gambling ads, promoting companies such as DraftKings and BetMGM.

However, this booming industry comes at a cost. Calls to gambling hotlines have surged. Studies indicate that sports betting often leads to financial distress for vulnerable households, increasing the risk of bankruptcy and even contributing to domestic violence, according to Harry Levant, a gambling disorder therapist. He shares that he’s witnessed heartbreaking outcomes like divorces, job losses, and suicide attempts tied to gambling addiction.

Daynard argues that gambling operators, much like tobacco companies, design their products to be addictive. They offer countless promotions and make it easy to place small bets during games. “You’re just pushing buttons,” he explains. “It’s all about the thrill.”

To combat this, Daynard employs two strategies: litigation and legislation. In late 2023, his institute filed a class-action lawsuit against DraftKings, alleging deceptive marketing practices. A judge allowed the case to move forward, which was a significant win for Daynard’s team.

Additionally, he collaborated with Representative Paul Tonko to draft the SAFE Bet Act. This proposed law aims to crack down on excessive gambling advertising and limit the number of deposits a person can make within a short period. It also seeks to eliminate gambling operators’ use of customer data for targeted promotions.

Daynard feels a renewed sense of purpose as he embarks on this latest fight. Living close to DraftKings’ headquarters, he jokes about needing a picture of the CEO in case he runs into him. As someone who doesn’t even gamble himself, Daynard found his motivation for activism when mobile betting started in Massachusetts. Suddenly, Boston was flooded with ads for gambling, reminiscent of the smoke-filled rooms of his youth.

Just a decade ago, sports leagues resisted gambling, but now they endorse it widely. This shift makes sense financially, as sports betting increases engagement and generates new revenue streams. Experts, however, have voiced concerns about the consequences of this sudden embrace. The American Psychiatric Association has long classified gambling disorder as a serious addiction, and recent studies suggest that legalized sports betting coincides with increased financial instability in households.

Despite alarming evidence, Daynard doesn’t want to ban sports gambling altogether. Instead, he urges for better consumer protection. The industry’s “responsible gaming” campaigns often fall short, acting more like reactively offering help than proactively shielding consumers from addiction. He advocates for a public health approach that recognizes the risks of gambling and implements reasonable safeguards.

While the SAFE Bet Act faces challenges in Congress, Daynard remains determined. Although retirement is a possibility, he enjoys being active and making an impact. “I’ve seen a lot in my time,” he reflects. “And I know when something is designed to trap people.” And he’s not backing down until he sees meaningful change.

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