Gambling Disorder Health Study Act

This bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program for comprehensive research into gambling disorder. The legislation acknowledges that gambling disorder is a recognized behavioral addiction, yet there is a significant lack of federal funding and guidance for research and programs addressing this issue, especially following the widespread legalization of sports betting. The research program will delve into various aspects, including identifying the initial emergence of gambling disorder and investigating its long-term psychological, social, economic, and behavioral impacts. It will specifically analyze the effects of mobile, online, and app-based gambling technologies on the disorder's prevalence, development, and progression. Furthermore, the study will examine the implications of related technology-mediated activities like video games and social media, and explore potential interventions, treatments, and strategies to mitigate adverse effects. HHS is directed to carry out this research in consultation with entities like the National Institutes of Health and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and in collaboration with other federal and state agencies. The Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress, detailing research findings on the disorder's emergence, demographics, and public health impact, along with recommendations for further research, public health actions, treatments, and preventative measures. Funding for this program is authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, with appropriations equal to 10 percent of the federal taxes received from certain gambling activities in the preceding fiscal year.