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The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) strongly endorsed the Providing Opportunities for Individuals In Need of Treatment & Support (POINTS) Act last week. The legislation marks the first bipartisan bill introduced in Congress in 15 years to specifically address problem gambling in the US population.
A new era for federal funding for responsible gambling
If enacted, the POINTS Act would create a “dedicated federal funding stream to support prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services for individuals at risk of or experiencing gambling addiction,” according to the NCPG’s press release.
Under the proposed law, one-third of the federal excise tax on sports bets—currently 0.25% of handle—would be directed toward POINTS-related programs.
Representative Erin Houcin, one of the primary sponsors of the bill, noted the personal and communal toll of addiction:
“Gambling addiction can quietly devastate families,” Houchin said. “The financial damage and emotional strain often build over time and affect far more than the person placing the bet. As access to sports betting and online gambling grows, we have a responsibility to confront the addiction that can follow.”
Early estimates suggest the Act could generate more than $100 million annually. Notably, the bill does not create any new taxes; instead, it reallocates existing tax dollars and funnels them into responsible gambling initiatives and problem gambling support. For context, the excise tax in question generated more than $150 million in fiscal year 2024 and $300 million in fiscal year 2025.
The legislators championing the POINTS Act include:
- Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.)
- Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.)
- Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.)
- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa)
POINTS Act establishes strategic grants for high-risk groups
While the allocation of funds is a critical first step, the POINTS Act specifically outlines how those tax dollars will be utilized.
The bill establishes a grant program for state governments, Indian Tribes, and tribal organizations to expand clinical services. The legislation prioritized youth, men, and Native Americans who are identified as the most high-risk populations for problem gambling.
Supported implementations for the grant money include outpatient and telehealth services, peer recovery support, and the SBIRT method (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment).
“The POINTS Act helps close the gap by investing existing gambling excise tax revenue into programs that expand care, raise awareness, and connect people to the help they need,” Rep. Salinas said.
The growing social cost of gambling
Historically, gambling regulation has been left to individual states, particularly after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. The POINTS Act represents a significant shift toward federal involvement in problem gambling treatment.
As sports betting and online casinos have proliferated over the last decade, government infrastructure has often struggled to keep pace with the need for actionable support.
The NCPG estimates the national social cost of problem gambling at $14 billion. A 2024 survey by the council revealed that 8% of US adults reported experiencing at least one problem gambling behavior “many times” within the past year. Problem gambling is classified as an addictive disorder in the DSM-5, the standard guide for diagnosing mental disorders.
“The POINTS Act recognizes that gambling addiction is a public health issue requiring a coordinated national response,” said Heather L. Maurer, NCPG Executive Director. “States and tribes need stable federal support to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.”
The path to Congressional approval
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. While the endorsement from the NCPG is a major milestone, the bill’s future remains subject to the legislative process. It may be integrated into larger legislative packages or undergo significant amendments.
For now, the industry and advocacy groups remain in a “wait and see” posture as the bill begins its journey through Congress.
