U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation that would direct more than $100 million annually toward research, prevention and treatment for problem gambling.
The Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support (POINTS) Act of 2026 was introduced by Rep. Erin Houchin in Indiana and would redirect one-third of existing federal excise taxes on sports wagers into the plan.
Plan receives approval from NCPG
The bill has been well received by several non-profit organizations supporting gambling charities. Heather L. Maurer, executive director of the NCPG, said: “The POINTS Act recognises that gambling addiction is a public health issue requiring a coordinated national response,
“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.”
Rep. Houchin believes it is beholden to lawmakers to ensure proper measures are in place to support those at risk of developing issues with gambling. She said: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Amendment to Public Health Service Act key to additional funding
To expand prevention, screening, intervention and treatment services for problem gambling, the bill would create a competitive grant program for states, Indian tribes and tribal organizations. It will do this by amending a portion of the Public Health Service Act, which falls under the purview of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Although gambling disorder is classified as an addictive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there is currently no dedicated federal funding for treatment and research comparable to that for drug or alcohol addiction. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates the annual social cost of problem gambling in the United States at around $14 billion.
Earlier this year, gambling addiction research was included for the first time in the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program for fiscal year 2026. The proposed POINTS Act would expand federal support to the general public.
Gambling concern increasing, recent survey finds
In December last year, a survey suggested growing skepticism among Americans toward the expansion of legal sports betting. The survey by the Washington Post and the University of Maryland found 36% of U.S. adults now view the industry negatively, signaling a shift in public sentiment.
The change appears across age groups, genders and even among sports fans and bettors. The poll was conducted in the midst of several scandals involving suspected match manipulation in the NBA and MLBl, which have raised concerns about betting’s impact on sports integrity.
The findings come as the U.S. betting market continues rapid growth. Since legalization in 2018, 39 states have introduced regulated sports betting, and industry revenue reached $13.78 billion in 2024, according to the American Gaming Association, despite recent competition posed by prediction markets.
One area drawing particular scrutiny is prop bets, which focus on specific in-game events. In the poll, 27% of respondents said such markets should be removed, compared with 23% who support keeping them. Major League Baseball recently moved with sportsbook partners to limit pitch-level betting due to integrity risks.
The survey also showed rising concern among young adults aged 18 to 34, with disapproval of sports betting legalization nearly doubling to 36%. Analysts say this shift could prompt stricter regulation, including proposals such as new Michigan legislation aimed at tightening rules around gambling advertising.
