A Bill Seeks to Earmark a Significant Percentage of Gambling Taxes for Tackling Addiction

A bipartisan bill is now making its way through Congress and looking for a way to address problem gambling in the country, by allocating a significant part of the money levied from gambling taxes to fighting addiction, compulsive gambling, and more.

The proposal called the Providing Opportunities for Individuals In Need of Treatment & Support (POINTS) Act was submitted on Tuesday by Republicans Erin Houchin and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, as well as Democrats Andrea Salinas and Troy Carter.

The endorsements by lawmakers from across the political divide suggest that the issue is significant enough to mandate immediate action. Allocating a third of the collected tax revenue would be a powerful buffer against the spread of problem gambling.

A recent NCPG and The Harris Poll survey conducted during Problem Gambling Awareness Month suggests that 65% of adults age 21 and older are already participating in some form of gambling, which means there is increased exposure to potentially harmful practices.

The NCPG has also backed the measure, seeing it as a meaningful and powerful way to help tackle a problem that the organization expects to get worse in the absence of remedial action, which the POINTS Act could be.

NCPG executive director Heather L. Maurer had this to add: “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.”

Lawmakers target high-risk groups with funding for screening, telehealth, and recovery services

The bill also seeks to prioritize high-risk populations, which is a marked change of tactic and not a blanket enforcement. As the POINTS Act stands, it suggests a specifically targeted approach to vulnerable groups of demographics, among which are youth, men, veterans, and Native Americans.

“The bill prioritizes high-risk populations, including youth, men, veterans, and Native Americans, and supports implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), outpatient and telehealth services, and peer recovery support. It also requires reporting to Congress and provides technical assistance to ensure accountability,” the NCPG said in a statement of its own, detailing the POINTS Act.

Rep. Houchin has called on fellow lawmakers to recognize the particular nature of the problem that could have serious consequences on society, devastating families, bringing about financial damage, and emotional strain.

The POINTS Act is far from certain, as lawmakers may fail to muster the support necessary to see it through. However, a unified framework that allows gambling tax to be plowed back into treatment and preventive initiatives is a good step to address a serious issue.