These days, there isn't much bipartisan backing on Capitol Hill. But the notion that the government ought to do more for problem gamblers is gaining favor among Democrats and Republicans.

A 0.25 percent excise tax is levied by the federal government on all legal sports bets made in the US. The US government imposes a "head" tax of $50 on sportsbook employees.

Around $400 million per year is equivalent to the costs. Congress has accepted that it's not entirely apparent where the funds are utilized. Dina Titus (D-NV), a US Representative, stated that she inquired about the distribution of money from the handle tax in the federal budget but received no response. As a consequence, the General Fund, often known as America's Checkbook, retains the cash.

The POINTS Act, which stands for Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support, would alter this by dedicating at least one-third of the federal sports betting excise tax to programs and activities that help people with gambling addictions.

Gambling Bill that Is Bipartisan

The POINTS Act is the creation of four bipartisan lawmakers: Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), and Troy Carter (D-LA).

For programs that assist states in bolstering prevention, treatment, and recovery services for gambling addiction and disorders, the measure would create a federal grant system. The grants would prioritize communities in rural areas and at-risk populations like men, youth, Native Americans, and veterans.

"As sports betting and online gambling continue to expand across the country, we have a responsibility to ensure people struggling with addiction are not left behind. Gambling addiction can devastate individuals and families, yet too many communities still lack the resources needed to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support,” said Salinas.

The National Council on Problem Gambling organizes Problem Gambling Awareness Month every March. On Capitol Hill, the NCPG is assisting in advocating for the POINTS Act.

"Despite the prevalence of gambling addiction in the United States, no federal agency is tasked with addressing it, and no federal funds are designated for treatment or research,” the NCPG said in a statement.

According to estimates from the NCPG, about 20 million American individuals (8%) exhibit at least one sign of problematic gambling behavior "several times" each year.

$100 Million Benefit

If the POINTS Act were to be approved, the federal government would commit around $100 million annually to problem gambling prevention. About $100 million would be one-third of the more than $300 million that is predicted to be collected in federal excise tax on sports betting this year.

The financing would come without any new taxes and would indicate the first time that gambling addiction is acknowledged as a mental health condition by federal law.