Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act

H.R. 1141, the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act, would establish two federal grant programs to address gambling addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) would receive authorization to distribute grants to states for gambling addiction treatment and recovery services. Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse would be authorized to provide grants for research focused on gambling addiction.

The bill would fund these programs through FY2034 using revenue from the federal excise tax on state-authorized wagers, such as sports betting. SAMHSA would distribute its grants to states using the same allocation formula as its existing Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant program. The bill also requires a report to Congress evaluating how well these new programs work in addressing gambling addiction.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to committee for consideration. If enacted, it would expand federal support for gambling addiction services and research, potentially increasing treatment access in states that choose to participate in the grant programs.