POINTS Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7875
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-25T03:53:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The POINTS Act of 2026 aims to address gambling addiction as a public health issue by creating a federal grant program. It supports the development, improvement, and expansion of services focused on prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment for individuals at risk of or experiencing gambling addiction, with an emphasis on culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
Key Provisions
- Grant Eligibility and Scope: The Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) will award competitive grants to states, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations. These grants fund programs offering prevention, screening, assessment, intervention, and treatment services for gambling addiction.
- Permitted Uses of Funds:
- Training health care providers and paraprofessionals (non-licensed support staff) in primary care, behavioral health, or related settings on screening, brief interventions, referrals, and treatment.
- Implementing prevention strategies, such as public outreach and awareness campaigns.
- Providing specialized treatments, including in-person or telehealth outpatient care, or peer support groups like those run by Gamblers Anonymous.
- Establishing or expanding helplines or real-time services, potentially coordinating with the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
- Supporting other innovative prevention, intervention, or treatment approaches approved by the Assistant Secretary.
- Grant Priorities: Preference is given to applicants serving groups disproportionately affected by gambling addiction (e.g., men, youth, Native Americans, members of the Armed Forces, and veterans); programs in primary care settings; partnerships with community-based organizations; and initiatives in health professional shortage areas (regions with limited access to medical professionals, including rural areas).
- Application Requirements: Applicants must submit details on how their program will increase access to services and the proportion of people served in targeted communities.
- Support and Oversight:
- The Assistant Secretary provides technical assistance to grant recipients.
- Annual reports on program effectiveness must be submitted to key congressional committees (e.g., House Energy and Commerce, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) starting December 29, 2027.
- Funding Authorization: For fiscal year 2027, funding equals 33% of excise tax revenues collected under the Internal Revenue Code from wagering (gambling bets) in calendar year 2025. Amounts for fiscal years 2028–2032 are adjusted annually for inflation using the Consumer Price Index.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act (a key federal law governing public health programs) by adding a new section (554) to Part D of Title V. It introduces the first dedicated federal grant program specifically for gambling addiction services, building on existing substance use and mental health frameworks but creating a targeted mechanism without altering prior provisions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services gains responsibility for administering grants, providing technical assistance, and reporting to Congress, potentially increasing administrative workload but also enhancing federal coordination on addiction issues.
- On Citizens: Improves access to gambling addiction services, particularly for underserved groups like youth, veterans, and rural residents, which could reduce related health and economic harms (e.g., financial distress, mental health issues). Funding tied to gambling taxes creates a self-sustaining model linked to industry activity.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program is domestic-focused.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and Communities: People experiencing or at risk of gambling addiction, especially vulnerable populations such as men, youth, Native Americans, military personnel, and veterans in underserved areas.
- State, Tribal, and Local Entities: States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations applying for and managing grants; community-based organizations partnering on services.
- Health Care Providers: Primary care doctors, behavioral health professionals, and paraprofessionals receiving training and integrating gambling screening into care.
- Federal Government: Department of Health and Human Services (overseeing implementation); congressional committees (receiving reports and influencing funding).
- Gambling Industry and Related Groups: Indirectly affected through excise tax funding; organizations like Gamblers Anonymous may expand peer support roles.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a new funding stream from existing gambling excise taxes, ensuring compliance with federal revenue laws without raising new taxes. Grant applications must demonstrate measurable increases in service access, promoting accountability but requiring robust data collection.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Spending Clause to fund public health initiatives; respects tribal sovereignty by including Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations as direct recipients, consistent with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in addiction treatment (introduced by representatives from both parties), potentially advancing public health priorities amid growing legalized gambling. Annual reporting could inform future expansions or adjustments, but funding levels depend on gambling revenue, introducing variability tied to economic and regulatory changes in the industry.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (6 pages)