Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have reintroduced the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act, which aims to dedicate federal funds to studying, preventing, and treating gambling addiction across the US. If passed, the bill would offer states equitable funding for problem gambling efforts, replacing the patchwork state-level commitments available now.
The lawmakers first introduced the bicameral legislation in 2024, during the 118th Congress, but neither bill passed out of its respective committees.
Rep. Salinas affirmed the Act’s appeal in a Feb. 7 release announcing the sophomore effort.
"Gambling can be a fun and harmless form of entertainment when enjoyed in moderation," Salinas said. "Unfortunately, the rapid rise in online gambling has made it easier than ever to place bets – leading to a drastic increase in the number of Americans who are struggling with a gambling addiction. The GRIT Act would invest in new research to help prevent problem gambling and connect more people with treatment – all using existing funds so that taxpayers won’t pay a single dime more. This is a commonsense, fiscally responsible piece of legislation, and I urge my colleagues in both parties to support it."
GRIT Act addresses state-level funding inequalities
In their announcement, Blumenthal and Salinas shared stats indicating some nine million Americans experience problem gambling issues at an annual cost of approximately $14 billion. Despite that, in many states, research, treatment, and prevention services addressing gambling addiction are “severely underfunded,” they added.
As Bonus.com previously reported, despite overall state-level problem gambling funding rising 28% year-over-year in fiscal 2023, according to the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services (NAADGS) most recent budget update, access to help varies widely by state.
Dr. Jeff Marotta of Problem Gambling Solutions, which prepares the budget report, called the findings a good news/bad news story.
While it’s good to see an overall increase in allocated funding, he said state inequalities and logistical challenges still require solutions.
Salinas and Blumenthal argue the GRIT Act would remedy existing inequality by earmarking federal funds for gambling research and treatment.
"The growing legalization of sports betting coupled with the ability to place bets from your phone whenever you want have created the perfect storm for gambling addiction—resulting in a severe public health crisis," said Sen. Blumenthal. "The GRIT Act will allocate dedicated federal funding to tackle problem gambling head-on, allowing individuals suffering from gambling addiction to access support, resources, and treatment. With this legislation, we work to stop addiction and save lives."
Existing tax would fund research and prevention
To democratize the problem gambling funding playing field, the GRIT Act would:
- Earmark 50% of the federal sports excise tax for gambling addiction treatment and research.
- The government would distribute 75% to states for gambling addiction prevention and treatment through the existing Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program.
- The remaining 25% would fund the National Institute of Drug Abuse for research grants into gambling addiction
- Authorize the spending for 10 years
- Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report the program’s effectiveness to Congress within three years.
- Provide support to state health agencies and nonprofits
- Permit funding for comprehensive research into best practices that is only possible at the national level
Importantly, the lawmakers also note that the GRIT Act would not raise taxes or create more bureaucracy. Rather, it would “draw from existing federal excise tax revenue and operate within existing HHS programs and procedures.”
Problem gambling organizations support legislation, but road blocks remain
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG) support the Act. The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) also backs the effort.
The American Gaming Association (AGA), which wants to see the excise tax repealed, has been one of the GRIT Act’s biggest detractors.
The association is open to earmarking funds from the general coffers for problem gambling. However, as a Democrat-led bill, the Act is unlikely to pass under a Trump government. Any plan to rely on general funds rather than gambling-specific dollars likely further lessens its chances.
Still, Diana Goode, CCPG’s executive director, said every state should have a strong safety net similar to the program in Connecticut.
"Connecticut is fortunate to have a robust problem gambling safety net with our 24/7 Helpline and access to certified clinicians for treatment for gambling-related problems," Goode said. "We are so thankful for Senator Blumenthal’s efforts to make these resources available nationally to help millions of families."
This article first appeared on Bonus.com, a Catena Media-owned website.
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Robyn McNeil is lead writer at Bonus.com, a Catena-owned website.
