Proposed legislation would direct a federal agency to conduct a multi-year study into the causes, development and long-term consequences of gambling disorder
Two House lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle have joined forces to introduce legislation directing the federal government to investigate the public health consequences of the nationwide spread of sports betting.
Reps. Dan Goldman of New York (D) and Blake Moore of Utah (R) introduced the Gambling Disorder Health Study Act on June 3.
The bill would direct a federal agency to conduct a multi-year study into the causes, development and long-term consequences of gambling disorder, while also reviewing what prevention and treatment strategies work.
Currently, no federal agency has a formal mandate or dedicated funding for this kind of research, even as the government collects excise taxes on gambling activity.
The legislation would redirect 10 per cent of federal excise tax revenue on state-authorized wagers to fund the study for up to three fiscal years.
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary would be required to report on the study’s progress and submit policy recommendations to Congress annually.
Seven organizations, including the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the National Council on Problem Gambling, have endorsed the bill.