The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) greatly values a new legislation that is expected to lead to an annual distribution of about $100 million for problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment.
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana has introduced the Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support (POINTS) Act of 2026 which, among other things, proposes to share 33 per cent of the federal excise taxes on sports wagering. According to NCPG, that is about 0.25 per cent of the total handle.
This bill does not levy any new taxes and has backing from Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon, Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, and Troy Carter of Louisiana.
In the words of the POINTS Act, changes to the Public Health Service Act will lead to the development of a grant program through which states, tribes, and tribal organizations can get funds. With this program, they will be able to expand gambling-related harm prevention screening intervention, and treatment services.
Also, the bill will support young people who are disproportionately affected by gambling harms, veterans, and Native Americans.
Heather L. Maurer, executive director of the NCPG, said:
The POINTS Act recognizes that gambling addiction is a public health issue requiring a coordinated national response. 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.
Representative Erin Houchin added:
As access to sports betting and online gambling grows, we have a responsibility to confront the addiction that can follow. The POINTS Act directs existing federal gaming revenue toward prevention, treatment and recovery programs to help people get back on their feet.
On the same page, Representative Houchin remarked that the POINTS Act is actually the first bipartisan legislative proposal in Congress in 15 years which seeks to deal with problem gambling among the general public.
