Congressman Tonko Wants Gambling Addiction Covered Under ACA

Gambling Addiction Is an Issue That Can’t be Overseen as More and More States Legalize Sports Betting

A Topic Full of Complexities

Well, well, well–looks like the betting news and gambling debate is getting a bit of a spotlight in the hallowed halls of Congress. US Congressman Paul D. Tonko wrote a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, demanding some straight answers about gambling addiction and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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Now, we all know sports betting and online gambling are spreading like wildfire across the US. From the Super Bowl to your neighbor’s weekend poker game, it’s everywhere. But what happens when the thrill of the bet turns into a full-blown problem?

Tonko, not one to mince words, penned a letter that’s raising eyebrows. He wants HHS to explain whether gambling addiction is considered a mental health and substance use disorder.

In the letter, Tonko doesn’t pull punches. He’s got constituents in his district and folks nationwide struggling to get treatment for gambling addiction. According to him, this gap in access needs fixing ASAP. Why? Because gambling-related harms are, in his words, “some of the most destructive and far-reaching of any other addiction.”

Tonko’s not playing games when he says gambling disorders should be on the same list as drug and alcohol disorders. He’s not asking; he’s demanding the HHS shouts it from the rooftops–”Gambling disorder is a mental health and substance use disorder, and it darn well should be covered as an essential health benefit.”

This isn’t Tonko’s first rodeo. He’s been banging the drum about problem gambling, even introducing the “Betting on our Future Act” last year. The act? It’s all about reining in those potentially harmful online sports betting ads. Tonko’s not a fan of the flashy commercials tempting you to betting online.

As the gambling landscape evolves, so does the need for clarity on treatment coverage. Tonko’s letter is a call to action, a political plea to recognize the struggles of those caught in the web of gambling addiction. Will HHS answer the call?

For gambling news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.


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