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The National Council on Problem Gambling warns that terminated federal addiction grants could severely impact gambling disorder treatment access.
Mar 7, 2026 · 4 min read
The National Council on Problem Gambling has raised serious concerns about the potential cascading effects of terminated federal addiction and mental health grants on problem gambling support services, even as the Trump administration subsequently reversed the funding cuts.
On January 14, 2026, NCPG issued a statement expressing alarm over reports of nationwide termination of approximately $2 billion in federal addiction and mental health grants. The organization updated its position on January 15, 2026, acknowledging the restoration of funding while emphasizing the broader implications of such policy instability.
The concern stems from the interconnected nature of gambling disorders and other mental health conditions. Research cited by NCPG demonstrates that 90% of individuals with gambling disorders have at least one additional mental health diagnosis, with nearly one-third carrying three or more diagnoses.
"Addiction and mental health conditions do not exist in isolation. Research shows gambling addiction is closely linked to other mental health conditions including substance and alcohol use disorders, depression, and anxiety."
— NCPG
This overlap means that cuts to broader mental health infrastructure directly impact gambling disorder treatment pathways, even though the federal government has never dedicated funding specifically to addressing gambling addiction.
$2B
Federal grants terminated
90%
Problem gamblers with additional mental health diagnosis
33%
Problem gamblers with 3+ mental health conditions
NCPG's concerns are amplified by the current regulatory environment. With gambling opportunities expanding at an unprecedented rate across jurisdictions, the organization argues that destabilizing addiction and mental health services increases harm risks precisely when support infrastructure is most needed.
"When funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery services is reduced, individuals with co-occurring conditions face fewer pathways to care, delayed intervention, and an increased risk of harm."
— NCPG
Despite funding uncertainties, NCPG continues operating the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ at 1-800-MY-RESET. The service, also accessible via text at 800GAM or through NCPGambling.org chat, provides 24/7 free and confidential support.
Crisis Support Resources
The National Problem Gambling Helpline remains operational 24/7 despite funding uncertainties. Problem gamblers can access free confidential support at 1-800-MY-RESET, text 800GAM, or through live chat at NCPGambling.org.
While welcoming the funding restoration, NCPG emphasized that abrupt federal funding disruptions create immediate instability for providers, communities, and individuals requiring support services. The organization continues advocating for dedicated federal funding for gambling addiction prevention, research, and treatment programs as a legislative priority.
The episode underscores the vulnerability of mental health infrastructure to policy shifts and highlights how gambling disorder treatment depends on broader addiction support systems, despite receiving no direct federal funding allocation. Similar concerns about stigma and barriers to help-seeking have been identified in studies examining Dutch gambling stigma hindering help-seeking for addiction.
The federal government has never allocated dedicated funding specifically for gambling addiction. Since 90% of problem gamblers have additional mental health conditions, gambling disorder treatment relies on broader addiction and mental health infrastructure.
With gambling opportunities expanding rapidly across jurisdictions, more people are at risk of developing gambling disorders. This increases demand for treatment services precisely when funding instability threatens support infrastructure.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline continues operating 24/7 at 1-800-MY-RESET. The service provides free confidential support via phone, text at 800GAM, or online chat through NCPGambling.org.
According to National Council on Problem Gambling.
Over half of Dutch people feel uncomfortable discussing gambling addiction, despite nearly half gambling regularly, according to new Kansspelautoriteit research.
The Dutch gaming authority calls for immediate cessation of bet-sharing functions due to concerns over vulnerable group protection and gambling normalization.
Spain operates a dual gambling regulatory model with national oversight of online operations and regional control of land-based venues.
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