Bipartisan Bill Seeks Federal Study on Gambling Disorder as Industry Revenues Hit Record Levels

Representatives Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Blake Moore (UT-01) have introduced the bipartisan Gambling Disorder Health Study Act. The legislation would require the federal government to undertake a comprehensive, multi-year study examining the causes, progression, and long-term impacts of gambling disorder.

As someone who has spent decades observing the evolution of the gaming industry, I see this as a notable inflection point. The US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Murphy v. NCAA opened the door to widespread sports betting legalization. That shift has delivered substantial growth, but it has also intensified calls for deeper federal examination of gambling-related harm.

Record Industry Growth Meets Rising Harm Concerns

Since the Murphy v. NCAA ruling, sports betting has moved gambling into the mainstream. It has expanded the industry’s reach and attracted millions of new participants. In 2025, US commercial gaming revenue reached a record $78.72 billion, up 9.2% from the previous year.

More than one-quarter of Americans now report having an active online sportsbook account. This includes more than half of men between the ages of 18 and 49. Additionally, one-third of men in that age group report using online event-based prediction markets to wager on sports outcomes.

Online searches for gambling addiction support have risen by 23% since 2018. An estimated 2–3% of Americans meet one or more criteria for gambling disorder. These trends have prompted institutions such as the University of Maryland to sound the alarm over increasing gambling disorders.

Despite this, gambling addiction has received limited federal attention. Although recognized as a behavioral addiction in the DSM-5, no federal agency is currently designated or funded to lead comprehensive national research. The federal government collects tax revenue from gambling activity yet lacks a dedicated research infrastructure for its harms.

This gap matters for operators and tribal leaders alike.

Policy Goals Focus on Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

The Gambling Disorder Health Study Act would direct the federal government to examine the causes, progression, demographics, and long-term impacts of gambling disorder and gambling-related harm. It would assess the effectiveness of prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies.

The study would also explore policy issues tied to the rise of gambling. These include the legalization of sports betting, increased media exposure, and other social and economic factors. The HSS would submit annual progress reports to Congress and provide policy recommendations based on the findings.

Funding would come from allocating 10% of federal excise tax revenue generated from state-authorized sports wagers. This allocation would last for up to three fiscal years.

From a commercial perspective, structured federal research could clarify which interventions actually work. That knowledge would allow client-partners to allocate responsible gaming resources more effectively rather than relying on fragmented state-level approaches.

Proponents Frame the Bill as a Public Health Priority

Rep. Dan Goldman described gambling addiction as a growing public health crisis, particularly among young men. He argued that the federal government should treat it with the same seriousness as other forms of addiction.

Goldman said the bipartisan legislation would serve as an important first step toward understanding the impact of the online platforms that have made gambling accessible around the clock. He called on Congress to take a more active role by advancing the legislation.

Rep. Blake Moore stated that the widespread growth of sports betting and prediction markets has ushered in a new era of gambling addiction. He argued that the proposed legislation would provide valuable research needed to develop effective solutions.

Both sponsors emphasize data-driven policymaking over immediate regulatory tightening. That tone is constructive for an industry that has long advocated for evidence-based approaches to harm minimization.

Risks and Limitations of a Federal Study Approach

Any comprehensive federal study carries risks. One concern is that findings could be weaponized to justify overly broad restrictions that ignore the distinctions between regulated and unregulated markets. The 2–3% prevalence figure, while serious, must be contextualized against the millions who gamble responsibly.

Another limitation is timing. A multi-year study will unfold against continued industry expansion and technological change. By the time recommendations reach Congress, new product verticals and delivery mechanisms may have altered the risk landscape again.

There is also the question of implementation. Allocating 10% of federal excise tax revenue creates a dedicated funding stream, yet past federal efforts in related behavioral health areas have sometimes produced reports that gather dust rather than drive targeted policy.

These limitations do not negate the value of the research. They simply underscore the need for industry engagement throughout the process to ensure recommendations remain practical and balanced.

The Bottom Line

The Gambling Disorder Health Study Act reflects a bipartisan recognition that rapid growth in sports betting and prediction markets demands clearer federal understanding of gambling disorder. With 2025 commercial gaming revenue at $78.72 billion and measurable increases in both participation and help-seeking behavior, the absence of dedicated national research has become harder to ignore. For gaming executives and tribal operators, the bill signals an opportunity to help shape a study that distinguishes correlation from causation and identifies tools that actually reduce harm without stifling innovation. The coming months will reveal whether Congress moves forward and how seriously it treats the resulting recommendations. Client-partners should track this closely and consider how best to contribute operational data that reflects real-world prevention efforts already in place across regulated markets.