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Advocates and attorneys tell committee VIP-host programs and marketing tactics amplify addiction risks
Summary
National advocates and litigators described VIP‑host programs, targeted incentives, and marketing that they say steer heavy users into deeper losses; treatment advocates urged statutory and regulatory protections.
National advocates and a consumer‑protection attorney warned the Senate Finance Committee that commercialized sports-book practices — including VIP-host programs, targeted incentives and normalized advertising — increase the risk of gambling harm.
Les Bridal, identified in testimony as the national director for Stop Predatory Gambling, said the industry uses what he called "the big con": packaging an addictive product as entertainment while making a mathematically negative financial exchange for customers. "The house always wins," Bridal said, arguing that the longer people participate the more likely they are to lose.
Attorney Matthew Litt described the VIP-host business model in detail. "It's the VIP host's job to keep the gambler…
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