In Washington, federal lawmakers introduced The Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act to help mitigate this mounting yet underappreciated concern. Despite the reality that millions of Americans suffer from gambling addiction — unlike alcohol, tobacco, and drug addictions — there are currently no federal funds specifically aimed at gambling harm prevention.

Thanks to the rapid expansion of sports gambling in the U.S., federal tax revenues are growing. The GRIT Act wisely seeks to invest some of that windfall on gambling addiction prevention, treatment, recovery and research.

This measure devotes a portion of the burgeoning revenues from the existing sports gambling excise tax to mitigating known consequences.

CFG proudly endorses the GRIT Act, sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR), and looks forward to more clear-eyed debate and policymaking over internet gambling, nationally and in states across the nation.

Derek Webb, founder and funder of CFG, said: “Policymaking around iGambling requires more balance. Public servants should devote less attention to maximizing the prosperity of iGambling operators and more attention to minimizing harm. CFG supports the GRIT Act and appreciates its champions, including Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Salinas.”