In a significant move towards addressing the growing public health crisis of gambling addiction in the United States, Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Representative Andrea Salinas of Oregon have jointly introduced the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act. This groundbreaking legislation aims to establish the first-ever federal funding stream dedicated to preventing, treating, and researching gambling addiction, a problem affecting an estimated 7 million American adults with annual economic consequences reaching $7 billion.
The Urgency of Federal Support:
Despite a 30% rise in the risk of gambling addiction from 2018 to 2021, there currently exists no federal funding specifically allocated for the treatment or research of gambling addiction. This legislative gap has prompted the introduction of the GRIT Act, which seeks to provide comprehensive support for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
Support from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG):
Susan Sheridan Tucker, President of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Board of Directors, commended Senator Blumenthal and Representative Salinas for their dedication to addressing this burgeoning public health crisis. The NCPG, actively engaged in initiatives related to responsible gambling and addiction prevention, fully supports the GRIT Act and recognizes its potential to make a lasting difference.
Key Provisions of the GRIT Act:
The GRIT Act proposes a strategic allocation of 50% of the current federal sports excise tax revenue to fund gambling addiction treatment and research. These funds will be administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services, with 75% earmarked for states to enhance prevention and treatment through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program. The remaining 25% will be directed to the National Institute of Drug Abuse for research grants specifically focused on gambling addiction. The legislation authorizes spending for ten years and mandates a comprehensive report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness within three years of passage.
Leveraging Existing Resources:
An innovative aspect of the GRIT Act is its reliance on existing federal excise tax revenue, avoiding the need for tax increases or additional bureaucracy. By operating within the established Health and Human Services framework, the legislation aims to streamline the allocation of funds while ensuring efficient implementation.
National Council on Problem Gambling Initiatives:
In addition to supporting the GRIT Act, the NCPG has been actively involved in other initiatives related to responsible gambling and addiction prevention. In December 2023, the organization partnered with SG:certified to enhance the evaluation process of its Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP), a US accreditation for player protection in online gambling. Furthermore, the NCPG announced its Fall 2023 Agility Grants, totaling $176,000, awarded to five non-profit organizations working on innovative strategies to prevent and address problem gambling. These grants are part of the NCPG’s commitment to providing over $1 million in funding between 2022 and 2024, with contributions from entities such as the NFL Foundation and online gambling platform FanDuel.
The introduction of the GRIT Act represents a crucial step towards recognizing and addressing the public health crisis of gambling addiction in the United States. By establishing a dedicated federal funding stream, the legislation aims to provide much-needed support for individuals and families grappling with this pervasive issue. As the NCPG actively supports the GRIT Act and continues its commitment to responsible gambling initiatives, the hope is that these combined efforts will lead to meaningful change and improved outcomes for those affected by gambling addiction.