Does the U.S. Government Really Support Recovery from Gambling Addictions?

October 30, 2025

A Public Health Issue Still Overlooked

When we think of public health in the United States, certain issues come to mind: the opioid crisis, tobacco use, or alcohol abuse. Each of these has received decades of government funding, national campaigns, and structured recovery programs. But when it comes to gambling addiction, the picture is far less consistent.

The numbers alone should make it a top-tier concern. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), about 2 million U.S. adults (around 1%) meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4–6 million (2–3%) experience mild to moderate difficulties. [NCPG, 2022]

That’s roughly the size of one of America’s largest cities dealing with gambling-related harm in some form.

Yet, very few ever receive help. Estimates suggest that only a small fraction of people with gambling disorder seek professional treatment — often due to limited access, stigma, or a lack of available programs. [SAMHSA, 2023]

The Uneven Landscape of Support

Unlike substance abuse, gambling addiction lacks a consistent national framework. States are largely left to their own devices, resulting in a patchwork of funding and services.

For example:

- New Jersey and Massachusetts, where online betting and casinos generate significant revenue, have invested in state-level treatment and awareness programs.
- In contrast, other states — particularly those newer to gambling legalization — allocate little to no funding for prevention or recovery services.

At the federal level, there is currently no dedicated funding stream for gambling addiction comparable to that for opioid, alcohol, or tobacco use disorders. [NCPG, 2023]
This lack of uniformity leaves many Americans in a gray zone: the problem is recognized, but chronically under-resourced.

The Ripple Effect on Families and Communities

Gambling addiction isn’t just about adults sitting at slot machines or betting on apps late at night. It affects families, workplaces, and communities.

With the rise of mobile betting, gambling ads have become nearly inescapable — often appearing during prime-time sports broadcasts watched by millions, including children and teenagers.

That early exposure matters. Research indicates that young people are significantly more vulnerable to gambling-related harm. Studies show adolescents are 2–3 times more likely to develop gambling problems compared to adults. [Derevensky & Gupta, 2004]

Yet, federal oversight of gambling advertising — especially in youth-oriented environments — remains limited, particularly when compared to long-standing restrictions on tobacco and alcohol marketing. [Federal Trade Commission, 2023]

A Missed Opportunity for Leadership

This is where stronger government leadership could make a meaningful difference.

National guidelines for advertising, consistent funding for treatment, and public health campaigns could help shift the narrative from:

“This is just part of the entertainment industry.” to “This is a real issue we must take seriously.”

At Incumental, we don’t believe in blaming individuals who struggle with gambling. The system around them — constant ads, few safeguards, and inconsistent funding — makes it incredibly difficult to step away.

If the U.S. government gave gambling addiction the same priority as other public health challenges, millions of Americans could find clearer, faster pathways to recovery.

How Incumental Can Help

We understand that policy change takes time, and that many people can’t wait for new legislation to access support.

That’s why Incumental provides private, practical tools for habit change — designed to help individuals take the first step toward recovery anytime, anywhere.

We believe everyone deserves help when they’re ready to make a change — no matter where they live, and no matter what time it is.

References

- National Council on Problem Gambling (2023). GRIT Act & Federal Advocacy for Gambling Disorder Treatment.

https://www.ncpgambling.org/advocacy/grit-act/

- SAMHSA (2023). National Helpline Data & Behavioral Health Treatment Services.

https://navisclinical.com/samhsa-releases-the-2023-annual-national-survey-on-drug-use-and-health/

- Derevensky, J., Gupta, R. (2004). Adolescent Gambling: Understanding the Causes and Consequences. Journal of Gambling Studies.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15056193/

Federal Trade Commission (2023). Truth in Advertising & Youth Advertising Guidelines.
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/advertising-marketing