POINTS Act Grants for Gambling Recovery

Full Title:
POINTS Act of 2026

Summary#

This bill adds a new grant program to the Public Health Service Act to help states, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations set up or expand services for people at risk of or experiencing clinical gambling addiction. The grants are competitive and are run by the Assistant Secretary. Allowed uses include training health workers, prevention and public outreach, outpatient or telehealth treatment, peer support groups (including Gamblers Anonymous), help lines or real-time intervention services, and other innovative services. Grants must offer culturally and linguistically appropriate care. The Assistant Secretary will give priority to programs that serve groups disproportionately affected (including men, youth, Native Americans, members of the Armed Forces, and veterans), operate in primary care settings, partner with community organizations, or serve health professional shortage or rural areas. Applicants must explain how they will increase access and the share of people served. The Assistant Secretary will provide technical assistance and must report to certain congressional committees by December 29, 2027, and annually after that. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal year 2027 equal to 33 percent of the amounts received by the Treasury under Internal Revenue Code section 4401(a) for calendar year 2025, with annual inflation adjustments for 2028–2032.

What it means for you#

  • If you live in a State or on Tribal land, your state or Tribe could apply for grants to start or expand gambling addiction services in clinics, schools, community centers, or online.
  • People with gambling problems could see more screening, outreach, telehealth options, peer support groups, and hotlines in their area if their state or Tribe receives a grant.
  • Health care providers in primary care and behavioral health settings could receive training on screening, brief intervention, referral, and treatment for gambling addiction.
  • Community-based organizations could partner with grantees to deliver services.

Expenses#

  • The bill does not set a specific dollar total. For fiscal year 2027 it authorizes an amount equal to 33 percent of the amounts received by the Secretary of the Treasury under Internal Revenue Code section 4401(a) for the 2025 calendar year.
  • For fiscal years 2028 through 2032, the authorized amount is adjusted by any percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
  • No publicly available information on estimated total program cost, per-grant awards, or fiscal impact beyond the authorization language in the bill.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.