National Council on Problem Gambling Supports Reintroduction of GRIT Act to Address Gambling Addiction

Washington, D.C. – The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) strongly supports the reintroduction of the Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR). This legislation would establish the first-ever federal funding stream to support problem gambling treatment, prevention, and research efforts nationwide.

Federal funding for gambling addiction research, prevention, and treatment is long overdue, and the GRIT Act is a critical step in addressing this urgent need,”

said Susan Sheridan Tucker, President of the Board, National Council on Problem Gambling. “This legislation provides essential support for those impacted by gambling addiction. We applaud Senator Blumenthal and Representative Salinas for their leadership on this important issue.”

With the rapid expansion of sports betting and other forms of gambling, the need for problem gambling services has never been more urgent. The GRIT Act would help states strengthen their prevention and treatment programs, ultimately reducing the harms associated with gambling addiction.

About the GRIT Act:

• The GRIT Act is a bicameral bill that directs 50% of the federal sports betting excise tax to fund gambling addiction treatment and research programs.
  • 75% of the funding dedicated through the GRIT Act will be distributed to the states and health agencies for gambling addiction prevention and treatment through the SAMHSA Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Block Grant program.
  • 25% of the GRIT Act funds will be allocated to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for gambling addiction research grants.
• The bill leverages existing Health & Human Services programs for distribution, meaning no new bureaucracy.
• The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report on the program’s effectiveness within three years.
• It establishes the first-ever federal investment in gambling addiction services, providing sustained funding for 10 years to help states develop best practices and long-term solutions.

NCPG remains committed to working with policymakers, stakeholders, and advocates to advance solutions that promote responsible gambling and support those impacted by gambling addiction. We appreciate Senator Blumenthal and Representative Salinas for their leadership on this issue and look forward to continuing the conversation on how best to address the growing need for problem gambling resources.

Learn more about the GRIT Act HERE.