NCPG Strongly Endorses Introduction of Bipartisan POINTS Act to Establish First Dedicated Federal Funding for Gambling Addiction

Bill reallocates one-third of the existing federal excise tax on sports wagers, generating an estimated $100 million annually for addressing problem gambling, without raising taxes. 

Nearly 20 million people reported experiencing an indicator of problematic gambling behavior “many times” in the past year. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) today endorsed the introduction of the bipartisan Providing Opportunities for Individuals In Need of Treatment & Support (POINTS) Act, led by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). The POINTS Act is the first bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress in 15 years to address problem gambling among the general population. 

The legislation would create the first dedicated federal funding stream to support prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services for individuals at risk of or experiencing gambling addiction. If passed, the POINTS Act would reallocate one-third of the existing federal excise tax on sports wagers (0.25% of handle), generating an estimated $100 million annually without raising or creating new taxes. Federal excise tax revenue from sports wagering exceeded $150 million in FY2024 and reached an estimated $300 million in FY 2025. 

Gambling disorder is recognized in the DSM-5 as an addictive disorder. However, unlike alcohol and drug addiction, there is currently no dedicated federal funding for gambling addiction treatment or research, despite the national annual social cost of problem gambling being estimated at $14 billion. 

“Gambling addiction can quietly devastate families. 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,” said Rep. Erin Houchin. 

“As sports betting and online gambling continue to expand across the country, we have a responsibility to ensure people struggling with addiction are not left behind. Gambling addiction can devastate individuals and families, yet too many communities still lack the resources needed to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support. The POINTS Act helps close that gap by investing existing gambling excise tax revenue into programs that expand care, raise awareness, and connect people to the help they need,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. 

The POINTS Act would amend the Public Health Service Act by adding Section 554 to Part D of Title V, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It would establish a competitive grant program for states, Indian Tribes, and Tribal Organizations to expand prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services. The bill prioritizes high-risk populations, including youth, men, veterans, and Native Americans, and supports implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), outpatient and telehealth services, and peer recovery support. It also requires reporting to Congress and provides technical assistance to ensure accountability. 

“The POINTS Act recognizes that gambling addiction is a public health issue requiring a coordinated national response,” said Heather L. Maurer, Executive Director of NCPG. “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.” 

NCPG’s 2024 National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE 3.0) found that 8% of U.S. adults — nearly 20 million people — reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior “many times” in the past year. Risk is highest among young adults, males, online gamblers, and sports bettors. 

National survey data released last week from NCPG and The Harris Poll during Problem Gambling Awareness Month underscore the urgency of prevention and early intervention given widespread youth risk. The survey found 65% of U.S. adults aged 21 and older report participating in at least one form of gambling before age 21, and two-thirds of Americans (66%) say they are concerned about the impact of underage exposure to gambling or gambling-like activities. It also found that nearly eight in ten Americans (79%) say gambling addiction is as serious as or more serious than alcohol or drug addiction. 

The introduction of the POINTS Act builds on NCPG’s recent legislative success with historic inclusion of gambling addiction research under the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program in the FY26 defense appropriations package, which was signed into law by the President and provides the first federal funds to study gambling addiction in the military. The POINTS Act would open up dedicated federal funding for all civilian populations.