Public health experts are raising alarms about gambling addiction in the United States as prediction markets and online betting platforms continue to expand rapidly across the country. Harry Levant, director of gambling policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute, described the situation as spiraling "out of control" and called for regulatory intervention similar to approaches used for alcohol and tobacco.

The concerns come as authorities investigate potential manipulation in prediction markets, including suspicious activity on betting platforms. French authorities are examining whether a Paris airport weather sensor may have been tampered with after unusual betting patterns emerged on temperature predictions through the Polymarket platform.

Separately, the indictment of a U.S. soldier who allegedly placed bets related to a military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has drawn renewed attention to prediction markets and their potential for abuse. The case highlights concerns about insider information being used in these emerging betting platforms.

Prediction markets, which allow users to bet on future events ranging from political outcomes to weather conditions, have grown significantly in recent years alongside traditional sports betting and online gambling platforms. The rapid expansion has prompted calls from public health advocates for stronger regulatory frameworks.

Experts from around the world are gathering in Boston to discuss increased regulation of the gambling industry, with particular focus on the public health implications of widespread betting accessibility. Levant and other advocates argue that gambling addiction should be treated as a public health crisis requiring comprehensive policy responses similar to those implemented for other regulated substances and activities.