Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., is sponsoring the POINTS Act to address gambling addiction treatment across states and tribal communities.

The legislation would redirect existing excise tax revenue to fund prevention, treatment, and recovery programs for those struggling with gambling addiction.

What the Right Is Saying

Rep. Houchin framed the legislation as a way to provide resources without imposing new taxes on Americans. 'This is existing excise taxes that are going to be distributed in the form of grants for states that adhere to the principles in the POINTS Act, which is providing resources, not just to healthcare professionals, but also for families on how to access gambling addiction treatment,' she said. The Republican side emphasizes state flexibility and using existing revenue streams, with Houchin noting the bill would not be funded by any new taxes on Americans.

What the Left Is Saying

Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., the Democratic co-sponsor of the POINTS Act, emphasized the growing public health crisis posed by expanded sports betting and online gambling. 'As sports betting and online gambling continue to expand across the country, we have a responsibility to ensure people struggling with addiction are not left behind,' Salinas said. She noted that many communities lack adequate resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery support. The legislation helps close that gap by investing existing gambling excise tax revenue into programs that expand care, raise awareness, and connect people to the help they need.

What the Numbers Show

Houchin said her mother took 10 to 15 years to pay off approximately $91,000 in gambling debt racked up by her father during his illness. Her father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 55, and the gambling addiction set in soon after he was prescribed medication to treat his condition. Houchin said her family's experience is 'not unique' and that many families across the country have had similar experiences. The POINTS Act would create what its sponsors describe as a first-of-its-kind federal fund dedicated to addressing gambling addiction, distributing grants to states, jurisdictions, and Indian tribes.

The Bottom Line

The POINTS Act represents a rare bipartisan initiative in the current Congress, co-led by Rep. Houchin and Rep. Salinas, with additional support from Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Troy Carter, D-La. The legislation aims to address what sponsors call a growing public health concern as sports betting and online gambling expand across the country. The bill does not create new taxes, instead redirecting existing excise tax revenue to fund education and training on preventing and treating gambling addiction. What to watch: whether the legislation gains traction in committee and if it receives support from both parties in the House or Senate.