As Super Bowl LIX draws near, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal is working to pass a historic bill to address gambling addiction. Blumenthal hopes to take advantage of the fact that the American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates that legal sportsbook wagers for the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl will total over $1.3 billion. This will help the state obtain its first-ever federal funding for gambling addiction treatment and recovery.
The Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment and Treatment Act
On February 7, Senator Blumenthal introduced the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act. This bill seeks to allocate 50% of the revenue from the current tax on sportsbooks operating in Connecticut toward funding addiction treatment and research.
Blumenthal emphasized that, despite the rapid growth in sports betting, the federal government has not yet taken significant steps to address the potential risks of gambling addiction. While the state has long had funds in place to combat alcohol, tobacco, and drug addiction, there has been no similar effort for sports betting.
The bill arrives at a critical moment. Connecticut has seen a sharp rise in sports betting activity, yet the infrastructure for combating gambling addiction remains underdeveloped. The funds generated by Blumenthal’s proposed tax would directly support addiction prevention and treatment services. This legislative push aims to protect individuals and families from the adverse effects of gambling.
Blumenthal will be joined by the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling and Gambling Prevention Advocates in his efforts to move the legislation forward. The goal is to have the bill passed before Super Bowl LIX on February 9, marking a critical step in addressing gambling addiction within the state.
In a statement, Blumenthal noted, “Despite the recent surge in sports betting activity, there has been no progression made by the federal government to properly counteract the possible effects of gambling addiction.”
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