Mental health and problem gambling advocacy groups have expressed their support for the POINTS Act, a bipartisan initiative designed to allocate one-third of the current federal sports betting excise tax towards initiatives that address gambling addiction.
Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Troy Carter (D-LA) introduced H.R. 7875, known as the Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support (POINTS) Act. This legislation aims to enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals grappling with gambling addiction.
This marks the first bipartisan legislation focused on gambling addiction to be introduced in Congress in over 15 years, receiving endorsements from prominent organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling, Mental Health America of Indiana, and the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling.
NCPG Executive Director Heather L. Maurer emphasized the necessity for a coordinated national response to gambling addiction, stating that states and tribes require consistent federal support to broaden access to essential services. The POINTS Act offers a sustainable funding solution to meet this critical demand.
If passed, the bill would enable the federal government to allocate a portion of the existing excise tax revenue to combat gambling addiction without imposing new taxes. Introduced during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the act has the potential to generate nearly $100 million annually for support programs.
According to existing data, approximately 20 million Americans exhibit signs of problem gambling, leading to an estimated $14 billion in annual social costs.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public Health Service Act by creating a competitive grant program for states, tribal organizations, and Indian tribes. These grants would facilitate the expansion of prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services, with a focus on high-risk populations, including youth, men, veterans, and Native Americans. The act also promotes outpatient and telehealth services, peer recovery support, and Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
Rep. Houchin, the primary sponsor of the legislation, remarked, “Gambling addiction can quietly devastate families. The financial damage and emotional strain often build over time and impact far more than the individual placing the bet. As access to sports betting and online gambling increases, we have a responsibility to address the addiction that can ensue. The POINTS Act directs existing federal gaming revenue towards prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to assist individuals in regaining stability.”
A recent survey commissioned by the NCPG revealed that 65% of U.S. adults aged 21 and older have participated in some form of gambling before reaching the age of 21. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, also indicated that 66% of Americans are worried about underage exposure to gambling activities, while 79% believe that gambling addiction is as serious as substance dependence.
Despite the support, the POINTS Act may encounter opposition. Stephen McCaffrey, President & CEO of Mental Health America of Indiana, highlighted the adverse effects of gambling addiction.