Gambling Disorder Health Study Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 21, 2026
Bottom line
This bill establishes a dedicated federal research program within HHS to study gambling disorder, aiming to fill a significant gap in public health understanding and resources, with funding authorized based on gambling tax revenues.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a research program focused on gambling disorder, investigating its origins, manifestations, and long-term effects. It outlines specific research objectives, mandates annual reports to Congress, and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, with the amount tied to a percentage of federal taxes on wagers.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that with the widespread legalization of sports betting and increased accessibility of online gambling, there is an urgent need for federal leadership and funding to understand and mitigate the public health impacts of gambling disorder. They highlight the current absence of a designated federal agency for this issue, leading to a critical research gap that this bill aims to address.
Opponents contend
Potential critics might raise concerns about the scope of the research objectives, suggesting they could be too broad for the authorized funding, or question the specific funding mechanism, arguing that tying research funding to gambling tax revenue could create a perceived conflict of interest or an incentive to maintain gambling activities.
The bill is short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions and implications.
Section 3(a)
Establishment of Gambling Disorder Research Program
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create and operate a program specifically for conducting research into gambling disorder. The research will focus on understanding how gambling disorder starts, how it appears in individuals, and its long-term effects. HHS can conduct this research directly or by partnering with other public or non-profit organizations.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this is a crucial first step to address a recognized behavioral addiction that currently lacks dedicated federal research and resources, especially given the rising prevalence and accessibility of various forms of gambling.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against establishing research programs for recognized health disorders, though concerns might arise regarding funding priorities or potential duplication of efforts if other agencies are perceived to already cover this area.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need for dedicated research on gambling disorder against the broader landscape of public health research priorities and resource allocation.
Section 3(b)
Comprehensive Research Objectives
This section outlines eight specific areas the research program must investigate. These include tracing the historical emergence of gambling disorder, analyzing its long-term psychological, social, and economic impacts, and studying the effects of modern gambling technologies like mobile apps and online platforms. It also mandates examining related tech activities (video games, social media) and broader societal factors like sports betting legalization. The research will also explore interventions, demographics of affected individuals, and compare U.S. policies with those of other developed countries.
Section 3(f)
Funding Authorization
This section authorizes specific funding for the research program for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The amount authorized for each year is set at 10 percent of the taxes collected by the Treasury from certain gambling activities (specifically, section 4401(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which taxes wagers) during the *preceding* fiscal year. These funds, once appropriated, will remain available until they are spent.
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027-2029, equal to 10% of the taxes received under section 4401(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 during the preceding fiscal year.
Section 3(f)
Why it matters:This is a standard legislative practice for specifying funding mechanisms and referencing existing tax law. It is not necessarily evasive, but it does require external knowledge to fully grasp the financial implications.
Case for: Proponents argue this provides a stable and appropriate funding source, directly linking resources for gambling disorder research to the industry that generates the revenue, ensuring accountability and sustainability.
Case against: Critics might argue that linking research funding to gambling tax revenue could create a conflict of interest or a perverse incentive, potentially influencing policy decisions related to gambling regulation. It also makes the exact funding amount less transparent upfront.
Estimated impact: Potentially millions or tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the volume of taxable gambling activities, for fiscal years 2027-2029.