US Bill Targets Gambling Addiction with Federal Funding Initiative

Revolutionizing Gambling Addiction Care: The GRIT Act’s Pioneering Approach

The United States is poised to make a groundbreaking move in addressing gambling addiction through the introduction of the Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act. This federal bill, presented in both the House and Senate, marks a crucial legislative attempt to tackle the growing concern over gambling addiction in America, coinciding with the expanding sports betting and iGaming sector.

A Legislative Response to an Emerging Crisis. Tackling the Gambling Surge

The GRIT Act, initiated by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Andrea Salinas, seeks to allocate a portion of federal sports excise tax revenue towards vital projects in prevention, research, and treatment of gambling addiction. This initiative represents the latest in a series of federal legislative efforts to confront the nation’s burgeoning mobile sports betting and iGaming industry.

Following in the Footsteps of Progressive Legislation

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a study examining the impact of problem gambling in the military and was passed in December, laid the groundwork for this initiative. Moreover, Rep. Paul Tonko’s bill from February, proposing a ban on most sports betting advertisements, signaled the beginning of intensified federal efforts to regulate the gambling industry.

Growing Support for Responsible Gambling

Recent years have witnessed a surge in anti-gambling legislative actions, fueled by increased organization and advocacy from activists and campaign groups. The Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), originally a UK-focused group advocating against fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs), has extended its efforts to the US in response to the escalating online gambling market.

Challenging the Promises of iGaming

The CFG recently published a study questioning the anticipated economic benefits of iGaming legalization in New Jersey, emphasizing the need for more balanced policymaking in the realm of internet gambling. CFG founder Derek Webb stresses the importance of prioritizing harm minimization over the profitability of iGambling operators and voices strong support for the GRIT Act.

Innovative Funding for Recovery, Education, and Treatment (RET)

While the full details of the GRIT Act are yet to be disclosed, the National Council for Problem Gambling (NCPG) has shared a fact sheet outlining the key components. The bill proposes allocating 50% of the federal sports betting excise tax towards gambling addiction initiatives. The majority of these funds, 75%, would enhance existing Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants programs, while the remaining 25% would support the National Institute of Drug Abuse’s research into problem gambling. This 10-year funding authorization aims to generate actionable insights and effective treatments for gambling addiction, with a mandatory review by the Secretary of Health and Human Services after three years.

Conclusion: A Milestone in Public Health and Welfare

The GRIT Act represents a significant milestone in public health policy, addressing the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving gambling landscape in the United States. By harnessing federal resources, this legislation offers a promising pathway to comprehensive addiction recovery, education, and treatment, marking a decisive step in safeguarding the well-being of countless Americans.