Problem Gambling, Mental Health Orgs Back POINTS Act Dedicating Federal Funds to Gambling Addiction
Mental health and problem gambling organizations endorse the POINTS ACT, a bipartisan bill that would reallocate one-third of the existing federal sports betting excise tax to problem gambling initiatives.
US Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Troy Carter (D-LA) have introduced H.R. 7875, the Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support (POINTS) Act, to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those experiencing gambling addiction.
The bill is the first bipartisan, gambling addiction-focused legislation introduced in Congress in over 15 years. It has endorsements from the National Council on Problem Gambling, Mental Health America of Indiana, and the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling.
In a statement “strongly” endorsing the Act’s introduction, NCPG executive director Heather L. Maurer said gambling addiction requires a “coordinated national response.
States and tribes need stable federal support to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This legislation provides a responsible and sustainable funding mechanism to meet that need.”
If the bill passes, the federal government would dedicate a portion of the existing federal excise tax toward addressing gambling addiction without requiring new taxes. Introduced during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the act could generate close to $100 million annually for support programs.
The legislation is similar to the GRIT Act, introduced in 2024 by Democrats Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Andrea Salinas, which failed to gain traction on Capitol Hill.
Houchin: Confronting Addiction a ‘Responsibility’
Existing data suggests nearly 20 million Americans show signs of problem gambling, which equates to about $14 billion in annual social costs.
As written, the bill would amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a competitive grant program for states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations. The grants would allow recipients to expand prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services. The legislation further prioritizes high-risk populations, including youth, men, veterans, and Native Americans. It also supports outpatient and telehealth services, peer recovery support, and Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
While the GRIT Act proposes 50% of the excise tax goes to addiction programs, the POINTS Act’s percentage is 33%. The new bill lays out more specifics for allocations than its predecessor.
“Gambling addiction can quietly devastate families,” the new legislation’s lead sponsor, Rep. Houchin, said in a statement.
“The financial damage and emotional strain often build over time and affect far more than the person placing the bet. I’ve seen how those consequences can impact loved ones and communities. As access to sports betting and online gambling grows, we have a responsibility to confront the addiction that can follow. The POINTS Act directs existing federal gaming revenue toward prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people get back on their feet.”
According to a NCPG-commissioned survey released last week, 65% of US adults (21 plus) report undertaking at least one gambling type before turning 21.
Conducted by The Harris Poll, the national survey also found that two-thirds of Americans (66%) are concerned about underage exposure to gambling or gambling-like activities. Additionally, 79% say gambling addiction is at least as serious as alcohol or drug dependence.
POINTS Act Likely To Face Opposition
Stephen McCaffrey, president & CEO of Mental Health America of Indiana, said gambling addiction can negatively impact crime rates.
He said in the press release:
Individuals with gambling disorders commit crimes at three to five times the rate of the general population, and families dealing with addiction face skyrocketing rates of domestic violence, child neglect, and bankruptcy. As accessibility to gambling has increased, so has the crisis. The POINTS Act gives states like Indiana the resources needed to prevent and treat gambling addiction through evidence-based interventions and community support. Mental Health America of Indiana has worked closely with Congresswoman Houchin for years, and we are proud to support her leadership on this critical issue.”
NCPG noted that the POINTS Act would build on another recent legislative success. In that case, the “historic” inclusion of gambling addiction research under the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program provides the first federal funds to study gambling addiction in the military. If POINTS becomes law, it would open up dedicated federal funding for all Americans.
However, given that stakeholders on the industry side largely want the excise tax eliminated, it’s unlikely the bill will pass uncontested.
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling executive director Christina Gray praised Houchin for her “tremendous” efforts.
Rep. Houchin has shown tremendous leadership in bringing attention to the need for stronger resources to prevent and address gambling addiction. The POINTS Act represents a meaningful step forward that will benefit communities in Indiana and strengthen efforts nationwide.”
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