A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Gambling Disorder Health Study Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to lead a research program regarding gambling disorder. This research aims to understand the origins, manifestations, and long-term effects of the disorder. The program will examine how various technologies, such as mobile apps and social media, impact the development of gambling issues. Additionally, the research will look into potential treatments, interventions, and the demographic profiles of those affected. The Secretary will collaborate with various federal agencies and academic institutions to conduct this work. Finally, the Secretary is required to submit annual progress reports to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 19
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into medical research?
The bill specifically authorizes significant research funding to understand the impact of gambling disorders.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill authorizes funding specifically to advance scientific understanding of gambling disorder.
- Scored +4
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
By researching treatments and interventions for gambling disorder, the bill aims to improve mental health support for affected individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Understanding the disorder: The research aims to advance the understanding of gambling disorder's origins and long-term effects, which could help address the lack of research and resources currently available (Section 2, Section 3(a)).
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Developing treatments: The program includes exploring potential interventions, treatments, coping mechanisms, and strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of gambling disorder (Section 3(b)(6)).
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Analyzing technological impacts: Research will examine how mobile, online, and app-based gambling technologies, as well as social media and video games, affect the prevalence and progression of the disorder (Section 3(b)(3) and Section 3(b)(4)).
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Improving public policy: The research will analyze contributing factors like sports betting legalization and media exposure to help inform the development of better policy implications (Section 3(b)(5)).
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Learning from other countries: The program will perform a comparative analysis of regulatory and public health frameworks in other developed countries to see what prevention and risk reduction measures work (Section 3(b)(8)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Addressing gambling addiction can protect low-income households from financial instability. Would students be better off under this? — The focus on technology-mediated gambling is particularly relevant to the student population. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults are a key demographic susceptible to mobile and social media-mediated gambling. Would children be better off under this? — Understanding the impact of digital gambling can help protect children from early-onset disorders. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Research can benefit any age group affected by gambling issues. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The research aims to mitigate economic impacts of gambling on various socioeconomic groups. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Behavioral addictions are often treated alongside other disabilities, so research is beneficial. Would retired people be better off under this? — Researching gambling trends helps inform protections for aging populations. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Research can provide insights into how gambling affects older populations.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill specifically authorizes significant research funding to understand the impact of gambling disorders. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — By researching treatments and interventions for gambling disorder, the bill aims to improve mental health support for affected individuals. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The research helps inform better public health strategies for those suffering from behavioral addictions.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill authorizes funding specifically to advance scientific understanding of gambling disorder. Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — The bill's investigation of gambling apps and social media may provide the basis for future tech-related regulations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The requirement for annual reports to Congress increases transparency regarding the research progress. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the role of federal agencies in researching and guiding policy on gambling disorders.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The research into gambling technologies and their effects provides a foundation for future consumer protection policies.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Addressing gambling disorder can mitigate the economic harms that contribute to poverty within affected communities. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — Researching gambling disorder helps address a factor that can contribute to housing instability.
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Blake MooreRepublican · Utah