Senate Democrats have invited Harry Levant, a self-described gambling addiction expert and director of gambling policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), to testify at an upcoming Senate hearing examining the social costs of legalized sports betting. Levant, who has become a prominent voice against online wagering and has been featured in major national publications, will appear as a Democratic witness at the hearing focused on integrity in sports.
Levant's personal history includes convictions related to client theft. Court records show he pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $2 million from his own legal clients to finance his gambling addiction. Among his victims were a family member and an individual who is a double amputee, according to court documents reviewed by news outlets covering the story. Levant avoided prison time after facing dozens of criminal charges but was disbarred as a result of the case.
What the Left Is Saying
Supporters of Levant's testimony argue that his personal experience with gambling addiction provides valuable insight into the harms of compulsive wagering. The Senate Democratic majority has positioned him as someone who can speak to the real-world consequences of expanded sports betting from the perspective of someone who has lived through addiction recovery.
PHAI Executive Director Mark Gottlieb, who described himself as Levant's supervisor, stated that the organization is aware of questions surrounding Levant's criminal history but maintains he has relevant expertise. In communications with news outlets, Gottlieb noted that Levant continues to make restitution payments and remains in compliance with court-ordered obligations. Advocates for gambling harm reduction argue that personal testimony from recovering addicts can be essential to understanding policy impacts, regardless of past mistakes.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics question whether Levant should serve as a neutral expert authority before Congress given his criminal background and ongoing financial obligations to victims. Republican members of the Senate committee may raise questions about his credibility as an unbiased witness on sports betting integrity.
Questions have also been raised about Levant's professional credentials. His website describes him as offering "therapy" services in Philadelphia and telehealth sessions, inviting visitors to "become a patient." However, available state licensing databases in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts do not appear to show an active professional counseling license under his name. Levant told one news outlet that he "hosts a coaching program, not a therapy practice," and referred clients needing formal therapy to licensed professionals.
Additionally, Levant's organization and colleagues have recently incorporated a nonprofit called Families and Friends of Gamblers, which some observers note appears positioned for potential litigation against gambling companies using strategies similar to tobacco industry lawsuits from the 1990s. Critics argue this creates financial incentives that may color his policy recommendations.
What the Numbers Show
Court records indicate Levant stole approximately $1.9 million from clients between 2014 and the time of his conviction, according to news reports citing documents. More than a decade after the theft was discovered, Levant still owes roughly $1.9 million in restitution, with court-ordered monthly payments so minimal that full repayment would take an estimated 316 years at the current rate.
Levant has maintained access to high-end housing while making only nominal monthly payments toward his restitution obligations, according to public records cited by news outlets covering the story. Among those he defrauded were a family member and a double amputee victim who told a judge, "I will never forgive Mr. Levant for what he has done to me."
The Bottom Line
The Senate hearing on sports betting integrity is scheduled to proceed with Levant appearing as a Democratic witness. Republican committee members are expected to question his suitability as an expert given the unresolved restitution obligations and questions about his professional licensing. Whether Levant's personal experience outweighs concerns about his credibility remains to be seen as both sides prepare for the upcoming testimony.
This story was first reported by The Daily Wire, which reviewed court records related to Levant's criminal case and financial obligations.