Senate Committee Advances Gambling Addiction Research Bill
The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a provision in the FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill that would allow the Department of Defense to fund research on gambling addiction through the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Proposed by Senator Ben Ray Luján, the measure received backing from a group of lawmakers, more than 25 NCPG state affiliates, and key industry players like FanDuel, BetMGM, and MGM Resorts International.
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. If enacted, it would establish the first federal funding stream for military gambling addiction research. With increased attention and resources, this development could lead to better understanding and treatment options for those affected.
While a congressional mandate in 2019 required annual screenings for gambling disorder, the lack of federal research funding has hindered the creation of effective early intervention and treatment methods.
Servicemembers and Veterans facing gambling addiction deserve the same level of support and understanding we've worked to build around PTSD, depression, and other behavioral health challenges. This provision is a critical step toward recognizing the realities our military community faces and ensuring the federal government invests in the basic, foundational research needed to support recovery.
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NCPG Applauds Measure
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has commended the advancement of the measure, calling it a crucial milestone that will help advance research and treatment options for those affected by gambling addiction.
A recent study by the group reveals that nearly 20 million US adults exhibit at least one problematic gambling behavior regularly. Servicemembers, in particular, are twice as likely to experience gambling problems compared to the general population.
The Committee's action will finally give researchers, local VA clinicians and military health officials the ability to better understand and address gambling addiction among those who serve. We're grateful to our allies in Congress, industry partners and the public health community for making this progress possible.
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