For more than 32 years, Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation has served as one of the nation’s leading voices on the economic, social, public health, and public policy impacts of commercialized gambling.
Our team is available to provide journalists, editors, producers, podcast hosts, documentary filmmakers, & researchers with expert commentary, historical context, and interviews related to:
• Gambling in the forms of
• State Lotteries
• Casinos
• Sports Betting
• Online Gambling
• And more
• Youth gambling and advertising
• Consumer protection policies
• Gambling industry lobbying and political influence
• Public health impacts
• State and federal legislation on gambling
• Financial harms and financial justice related to commercialized gambling
• Economic and community impacts of gambling expansion
Available Experts:
Les Bernal, National Director
Les is the National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, a 501c3 non-profit advocacy network of individuals and partner groups from all political stripes with members in all 50 states and its mission is to reveal the truth behind gambling operators to prevent more victims. He has been National Director since 2008 when the national network grew into the organization of Stop Predatory Gambling.
Les has spoken and written extensively about commercialized gambling operators and their business practices, including regional casinos, state lotteries, online gambling, and commercialized sports betting. He has testified before Congress and more than thirty state legislatures. He has been cited by more than 700 newspapers and magazines including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. He has appeared on national television and radio including 60 Minutes, PBS NewsHour, CNN, Fox News Channel, National Public Radio, CNBC, The BBC, and MSNBC. He has also spoken before more than 1000 business organizations, college audiences and faith groups across the nation.
Contact for Media Inquiries
Les@StopPredatoryGambling.org
202-567-6996 ext. 1
Stop Predatory Gambling Board and Team Members
Stop Predatory Gambling Board of Directors includes nationally recognized experts whose experience spans public policy, academic research, law, and community advocacy.
Among our board leadership are individuals whose work has helped shape national conversations and change about gambling policy and its effects. For example, Board Chairman Jonathan Krutz’s doctoral research focused on the economic impacts of casinos, examining data, claims, and related questions that continue to influence discussions around predatory gambling today. When appropriate, members of the board and staff may be available for media inquiries, coordinated through our staff.
Contact for Media Inquiries
Les@StopPredatoryGambling.org
202-567-6996 ext. 1
