A new bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Congress is set to provide long-needed federal funding for gambling addiction treatment and prevention. The Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support (POINTS) Act, led by Representatives Erin Houchin (IN-09), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Troy Carter (LA-02), seeks to address a significant gap in the treatment of gambling addiction. Currently, while funding exists for the treatment of alcohol and drug addictions, there is no dedicated federal support for gambling-related disorders.

Expanding Support for Gambling Addiction

The POINTS Act aims to rectify this imbalance by utilizing a portion of the existing federal excise tax on sports wagers. Specifically, it proposes that one-third of the sports betting tax revenue be reallocated to fund prevention, screening, and treatment services for gambling addiction. This move would generate approximately $100 million annually, providing essential resources to those affected by problem gambling. This funding will support a variety of services, including outpatient care, telehealth services, and peer recovery programs.

The bill is introduced during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, emphasizing the growing need for comprehensive support systems to combat gambling addiction, which impacts nearly 20 million Americans. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has backed the bill, recognizing it as a much-needed step toward addressing gambling addiction as a public health issue.

As sports betting and online gambling continue to expand across the U.S., gambling addiction has become an increasingly visible problem. Representatives like Salinas and Houchin emphasize the importance of offering support to those struggling with addiction. “Gambling addiction can devastate individuals and families, yet too many communities still lack the resources needed to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support,” said Salinas. By funding these services with existing gambling revenue, the POINTS Act hopes to close this gap.

While gambling addiction affects individuals across all demographics, the bill particularly targets high-risk groups, including youth, veterans, and people living in rural areas. It proposes to direct funding towards expanding treatment in these communities, ensuring that those in need have access to the necessary support systems.

Legislative Milestones and Support

The introduction of the POINTS Act represents the first bipartisan effort to address gambling addiction in over 15 years. The bill has garnered support from various mental health organizations, including the National Council on Problem Gambling and Mental Health America of Indiana. “This legislation provides a responsible and sustainable funding mechanism to meet that need,” said Heather L. Maurer, Executive Director of NCPG, as published on Houchin’s website.

In addition to its focus on prevention and treatment, the POINTS Act requires annual reports to be submitted to Congress to assess the effectiveness of the funded programs. This mechanism ensures that the programs can be adjusted and improved over time based on their outcomes.

Historically, gambling addiction has been overlooked in the realm of public health, despite its considerable social costs. The POINTS Act aims to change that by securing federal funding for programs that can help those affected by gambling disorders. By using excise tax revenue from sports betting, the bill ensures that no new taxes are imposed on the public while directing funds toward much-needed treatment resources.

The bill also builds on recent legislative victories, such as the inclusion of gambling addiction research funding for military personnel in the FY2026 Defense Appropriations Act. The research funded under this program will study gambling addiction in active-duty and veteran military members, marking a significant step toward understanding and addressing the issue on a national scale.