Gambling addiction research seeks federal funding
A federal bill has been introduced in Congress that would create funding sources for gambling addiction research and provide better resources for those affected.
The bill, called the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment and Treatment (GRIT) Act, was introduced by Senator . Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.). GRIT would allocate half of the federal government's 0.25 percent tax on legal sports betting to the existing Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which provide grants for gambling addiction research.
The increasing legalization of sports and online betting, combined with the ability to place bets from your phone anytime, anywhere, creates a perfect storm for gambling addiction. ” said Blumenthal. “Federal resources dedicated to directly combating problem gambling will provide much-needed support, resources and treatment to those suffering from gambling addiction. “As the number of Americans suffering from gambling addiction increases, legislation like the GRIT Act is more important than ever and is needed.”
Nearly 7 million Americans suffer from gambling addiction, costing society $7 billion annually, Blumenthal and Salinas said. Lawmakers argue that most state health agencies and nonprofit organizations are severely underfunded to respond to such a health crisis.
"Gambling addiction harms countless families, children and communities in Oregon and across the United States. But unlike alcohol and drug addiction, there is currently no federal funding dedicated to stopping problem gambling," Salinas added.
Consumption Tax Condensation
The Federal Sports Betting Excise Tax was introduced by the government in the early 1950s. It is designed to help prosecute illegal bookmakers who fail to pay taxes, giving governments an easier way to bring charges against fraudulent bookmakers.
Every time a bettor makes a legal bet, such as a $100 bet on DraftKings, sportsbooks must set aside 0.25% of the bet for the U.S. government. If you bet $100, it’s only 25 cents.
As sports betting continues to grow in the United States, funding will continue to expand. Sports betting is legal in nearly 40 states.
Federal excise taxes on sports betting will be close to $2.5 billion in 2022, up from about $500 million last year.
The sports betting industry is calling on Congress to repeal the excise tax on sports betting, saying it would only make it more difficult to compete with illegal foreign sports betting sites.
“Congress must ensure that tax policies enacted seventy years ago to curb illegal sports betting do not provide an opportunity for illegal operations today,” the American Gaming Association said in a 2022 statement.
Congress currently does not allocate sports betting excise taxes but simply deposits the money into the Treasury Department’s general fund.
Problem Game Experts Celebrate Bill
The National Council on Problem Gambling announced its support for the GRIT Act shortly after it was introduced.
The introduction of the GRIT Act demonstrates our shared commitment to reducing gambling-related harm and addressing the challenges of gambling addiction. "This groundbreaking legislation lays the foundation for significantly strengthening gambling addiction prevention, research and treatment resources and will have a positive, lasting impact on individuals and communities across the country," said Keith Whyte, executive director of NCPG. Influence."
"Government health departments and nonprofits should not address gambling problems alone. Because the federal government accepts gambling as a source of revenue, it has a responsibility to take steps to minimize the harms associated with gambling," said Gina Pa, executive director of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling Ziale added.
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Source: www.casino.org
