A powerful new voice has joined the fight against online gambling harm in the U.S.
A new organization called Family and Friends of Gamblers (FFOG) has officially launched to bring comprehensive public health regulation to the vast online gambling industry.
In 2024, the U.S. sports betting industry had $13.7 billion in revenue, up from $11.04 billion the year prior. Online casinos took $8.4 billion from Americans, up from $6.5 billion in 2023. Both figures will grow significantly in 2025. The new group will provide hope for a generation of people harmed by online gambling.
FFOG is modeled after Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which has played a large role in shaping U.S. alcohol policies beginning in the 1980s.
The time is now to take action against dangerous online gambling, according to leaders from FFOG, which receives no funding whatsoever from the industry.
‘Lifting the Fog’
FFOG, a non-profit organization supported by the Boston-based Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), aims to give voice to the people and families suffering gambling-related harm directly linked to the U.S. online gambling industry.
Studies show that 8 to 10 people around a person with a gambling problem experience harm. FFOG, which will have a membership platform, is designed to gain a better understanding of the scope of the harm.
Right now, people speaking out against online gambling harm risk exposure to stigma. FFOG is being built as a safe place for people to come together to advocate for change.
FFOG’s launch comes seven years after the United States Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The ruling opened the doors to more than 30 states legalizing online sports betting, with potentially more to come.
Online casino gambling has followed in seven states.
Problem gambling has soared under the so-called “responsible gaming model.” A Pew survey published in September 2025 found that public support for legal sports betting has plummeted.
While focused on state-sanctioned online gambling, FFOG welcomes people who have experienced harm from any form of gambling.
The organization plans to have a mobile app. FFOG’s app would have content, webinars, forums, and a news feed to connect people and build the movement for change to the unacceptable status quo.
FFOG does not provide any form of treatment for problem gambling.
What FFOG Founders Are Saying
Mark Gottlieb, FFOG treasurer and Northeastern University law professor:
“We know that the suffering related to the conduct of the online gambling industry impacts countless people beyond those struggling with gambling disorder. The voices of the parents, spouses, partners, siblings, children, friends, and community members must and will be heard.”
Dr. Harry Levant, FFOG secretary and PHAI Director of Gambling Policy:
“This organization will become a powerful and leading voice in the public health movement. The family and friends of gamblers will no longer tolerate the gambling industry acting with impunity and disregarding the pain and damage being suffered by far too many people. When our elected officials begin to understand the magnitude of the problem and the scope of harm, it will result in comprehensive policy change and public health regulation.”
Richard Daynard, Northeastern University Distinguished Professor of Law:
“The gambling industry has largely followed Big Tobacco’s playbook. The result is unacceptable levels of public harm across the country. Much like how awareness of second-hand smoke affected public acceptance for tobacco policy change, FFOG will be instrumental in bringing a seismic public health response to the gambling industry.”
SAFE Bet Act
In an interview with Gambling Harm, Gottlieb said that FFOG’s policy work is more than advocating for the pending SAFE Bet Act. That bill, introduced in 2024 and backed by the PHAI, seeks to establish minimum federal standards for online sports gambling.
He said that FFOG can help shape policy and regulation on the state level. “FFOG has a much broader purpose than any one particular piece of legislation,” Gottlieb said.
For example, some states have looked at A.I.-related legislation to protect the public from the sports betting industry. Other states have looked at addressing out-of-control advertising.
“The SAFE Bet Act is a wonderful start to a public health movement,” Levant told Gambling Harm. “However, FFOG extends well beyond the SAFE Bet Act.”
While specific pieces of legislation can come and go, FFOG is here to stay, Levant said.
The organization anticipates regional chapters “focused on advocacy opportunities and ways to be heard where people live.”
“That’s going to be the strength of the organization: To have constituents speak to policymakers where they live,” Gottlieb said.
People interested in joining Family and Friends of Gamblers can visit the website’s contact form or email FFOG@HurtByGambling.org.
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