Lawmakers Push for Federal Study on Gambling Disorder as Betting Options Expand

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation calling for a comprehensive federal study into gambling disorder, citing concerns that the rapid growth of modern betting products is outpacing research into their long-term effects.

Representatives Dan Goldman and Blake Moore introduced the Gambling Disorder Health Study Act this week, proposing a multi-year investigation into the causes, development, and impacts of gambling disorder. The study would examine how Americans interact with various forms of gambling and identify potential public health concerns associated with increased access to betting platforms.

The proposal arrives during a period of significant growth across the gambling industry. Sports betting has expanded across dozens of states since 2018, while prediction market operators such as Kalshi and Polymarket have attracted growing attention from regulators, lawmakers, and gaming stakeholders.

Lawmakers Seek More Data, Not New Restrictions

The legislation does not propose new limits on gambling activities. Instead, lawmakers are calling for additional research to better understand how modern betting products affect consumers over time.

Goldman described gambling addiction as a growing public health concern and argued that policymakers need better data before making future decisions. The proposed study would focus on identifying risk factors, evaluating existing treatment options, and measuring the broader social and economic effects associated with gambling disorder.

The effort reflects a broader trend among lawmakers who have increasingly focused on responsible gambling measures as online wagering becomes more accessible. Industry operators and regulators have generally supported responsible gaming initiatives, emphasizing tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and consumer education. At the same time, policymakers continue examining whether existing safeguards remain sufficient as new forms of wagering enter the market.

Prediction Markets Continue Drawing Attention

While the proposed study is not aimed exclusively at prediction markets, the sector has become part of the broader discussion surrounding online wagering and consumer protection.

Prediction market operators maintain that their platforms function as regulated financial exchanges rather than traditional gambling products. Critics, including some state regulators and lawmakers, have argued that sports-related event contracts can resemble conventional betting markets and should face similar scrutiny.

That debate has become increasingly visible in recent months. Dina Titus Seeks CFTC Investigation examined concerns surrounding federal oversight of prediction markets, while several states continue challenging operators over sports event contracts and regulatory authority. The latest proposal adds another dimension to those discussions by focusing on research and public health rather than enforcement or jurisdictional disputes.

Read Also: George Santos Investigation Adds New Scrutiny to Prediction Markets

Responsible Gambling Remains a Common Theme

Regardless of where lawmakers stand on prediction markets, sports betting, or online gaming, one area of agreement has been the importance of responsible gambling.

Industry advocates, regulators, and policymakers generally acknowledge that gambling products should be accompanied by consumer protections designed to reduce harm. The current proposal reflects that approach, seeking additional research rather than immediate regulatory changes.

For now, the Gambling Disorder Health Study Act remains in the early stages of the legislative process. If approved, it would provide one of the most comprehensive federal examinations of gambling disorder in years, offering lawmakers additional data as the gambling and prediction market industries continue to expand.