Gambling addiction is a serious, often hidden problem that can devastate individuals and families through financial ruin, mental health issues, and relationship breakdowns. Unlike some other addictions, resources and public awareness for gambling addiction are often limited, leaving many without the necessary support. This bill matters because it would create a dedicated and potentially significant source of federal funding to directly address this gap in care across the nation.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a substantial expansion of services, making it easier for people to find help, get screened early, and access treatment and prevention programs. This could reduce the personal and societal costs associated with untreated gambling addiction. If the bill does not pass, the current challenges of insufficient funding and limited access to specialized services for gambling addiction would likely continue, leaving many people struggling without adequate support.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a competitive federal grant program for States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations.
This creates a new, dedicated funding source specifically for addressing gambling addiction nationwide.
PROVISION 02
Funds can be used for a range of services, including training healthcare providers, public awareness campaigns, specialized treatments (in-person, telehealth, peer support), and helplines.
Ensures a comprehensive approach to both preventing gambling addiction and treating those who are affected.
PROVISION 03
Prioritizes grant applications that serve disproportionately impacted populations like men, youth, Native Americans, military members, and veterans, or operate in primary care settings or underserved areas.
Directs resources to communities and groups most in need and often lacking adequate support for gambling addiction.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2027 equal to 33% of federal wagering excise tax revenue from 2025, with inflation adjustments for subsequent years through 2032.
Provides a specific, potentially ongoing funding mechanism tied to a relevant revenue source for the grant program.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress on the effectiveness of the grant programs, starting December 29, 2027.
Ensures accountability and provides oversight to assess how well the funded programs are working.
Gambling addiction is a serious, often hidden problem that can devastate individuals and families through financial ruin, mental health issues, and relationship breakdowns. Unlike some other addictions, resources and public awareness for gambling addiction are often limited, leaving many without the necessary support. This bill matters because it would create a dedicated and potentially significant source of federal funding to directly address this gap in care across the nation.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a substantial expansion of services, making it easier for people to find help, get screened early, and access treatment and prevention programs. This could reduce the personal and societal costs associated with untreated gambling addiction. If the bill does not pass, the current challenges of insufficient funding and limited access to specialized services for gambling addiction would likely continue, leaving many people struggling without adequate support.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a competitive federal grant program for States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations.
This creates a new, dedicated funding source specifically for addressing gambling addiction nationwide.
med
Funds can be used for a range of services, including training healthcare providers, public awareness campaigns, specialized treatments (in-person, telehealth, peer support), and helplines.
Ensures a comprehensive approach to both preventing gambling addiction and treating those who are affected.
high
Prioritizes grant applications that serve disproportionately impacted populations like men, youth, Native Americans, military members, and veterans, or operate in primary care settings or underserved areas.
Directs resources to communities and groups most in need and often lacking adequate support for gambling addiction.
high
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2027 equal to 33% of federal wagering excise tax revenue from 2025, with inflation adjustments for subsequent years through 2032.
Provides a specific, potentially ongoing funding mechanism tied to a relevant revenue source for the grant program.
med
Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress on the effectiveness of the grant programs, starting December 29, 2027.
Ensures accountability and provides oversight to assess how well the funded programs are working.
33% of the amounts received by the Secretary of the Treasury under section 4401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 4401(a)), with respect to the 2025 calendar year. For fiscal years 2028-2032, this amount will be adjusted for inflation (CPI-U).
Grants for providing services to individuals experiencing gambling addiction
discretionary
Fiscal year 2027; for fiscal years 2028 through 2032
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Grant program
A government initiative that provides financial awards to eligible organizations or individuals to carry out specific projects or services, usually after a competitive application process.
Public Health Service Act
A foundational federal law that governs many aspects of public health in the United States, including establishing federal health agencies and programs.
Assistant Secretary
A high-ranking official within a government department (in this case, likely the Department of Health and Human Services) who oversees specific policy areas or administrative functions.
Indian Tribes / Tribal organizations
Federally recognized self-governing Native American nations and the entities that represent them, which have a unique government-to-government relationship with the U.S. federal government.
Culturally and linguistically appropriate services
Health services delivered in a way that respects and understands a person's cultural background, beliefs, and language, ensuring effective communication and care.
Health professional shortage area
A geographic area, population group, or facility designated by the federal government as having too few health care providers to meet the needs of the residents.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAR 9
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 9
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
