Last week, Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA), Lee Terry (R-NE), and Frank Wolf (R-VA) introduced bi-partisan legislation to curb the problem of gambling in the United States. The bill, HR 2906, is dubbed the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act of 2009.A revolutionary legislation, the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act allocates USD 71 million in the next five years for problem gambling public awareness, research, and treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has been given the responsibility of overseeing the program. The National Council on Problem Gambling has been the major driving force behind the legislation, which is among the first of its kind.
The organization’s Executive Director, Keith Whyte, shared his thoughts on why no serious solution for problem gambling has been approved on a national level: “It’s surprising and frustrating. Part of the blame is on us. We’ve been around for 37 years, but part of that reflects the real stigma people have in seeing problem gambling as a preventable and treatable disorder. In addition, by and large, most people believe that gaming should be regulated and taxed at the state level. They are not as quick to see a Federal role.”
HR 2906 is divided into three parts, allocating funds annually to each. The Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act allocates USD 200,000 per year towards public awareness. Information on problem gambling is directed through television, radio, cable, and print advertising. Funds are authorized to focus on “the business sector of the United States” and “professional sports organizations and associations.” Sporting and gambling events are targeted in the campaign, which is directed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
HR 2906 also directs funds towards research of problem gambling. A total of USD 20 million over five years is allocated towards research, which will be coordinated among several Federal agencies including the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Recommendations of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission should also be taken into consideration.
This is not the National Council on Problem Gambling’s first go-around with legislation supporting the organization’s goals. “We’ve had bills introduced in previous Congresses and this is our third go-around. Building support has been incredibly difficult. I think it’s a good example of folks that don’t understand gambling issues in general,” Whyte said. Around 3 to 4 per cent of the American adult population met the criteria for problem gambling, or more than six million people, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s press release.
Finally, USD 10 million per year is allocated towards the treatment of problem gambling. The bill notes, “The Secretary may make grants to States, local, and tribal governments, and non-profit agencies to provide comprehensive services for the treatment and prevention of problem gambling and for education about problem gambling.” Grants are permitted for various organizations to target their share of the USD 10 million up for grabs every year.
One of the original co-sponsors of the bill is Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), who introduced a pair of bills on May 6 to alter the landscape of internet gambling in the United States. On Frank’s support for the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act, Whyte said, “It’s appropriate that Frank is a co-sponsor. He was a co-sponsor of our earlier efforts and has been consistent on this. He has been concerned about these issues in the past. We hope to get 25 co-sponsors in total.” Besides Frank, Congressman Howard Berman (D-VA) is one of HR 2906’s four original co-sponsors.
HR 2906 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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