§ 7–1141.06b. Problem-gambling report and program.

(a) By October 31, 2024, the Department shall award a contract of $300,000 to a non-governmental organization for the purpose of conducting a needs assessment aimed at better understanding how problem gambling is impacting the District's residents and developing strategies for establishing an evidence-based or evidence-informed problem-gambling prevention, harm reduction, and treatment program.

(b) The non-governmental organization awarded the contract pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall submit a report of its fundings by November 1, 2025, to the Department, which the Department shall submit to the Council by December 31, 2025.

(c) The report shall, at a minimum, include:

(1) Surveys and interviews with community members to gather information about their experiences with gambling, including issues related to problem gambling;

(2) Analysis of existing data sources, including hospital admissions, emergency room visits, treatment records, and Medicaid billing reports, to identify trends and patterns related to problem gambling;

(3) Community meetings and focus groups to facilitate discussions about problem gambling and its effects on individuals, families, and communities;

(4) Collaborations with stakeholders such as advocacy groups and treatment providers that specialize in gambling addiction;

(5) Mapping of local gambling resources to create an inventory or map of gambling-related services, including gambling addiction helplines, support groups, and treatment centers; and

(6) Evaluations of existing policies and programs aimed at addressing problem gambling, including public awareness campaigns, responsible gambling initiatives, and treatment services, to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for innovation.

(d) Beginning in Fiscal Year 2026, the Department shall establish:

(1) A pilot problem-gambling program for up to 200 individuals, based on the findings from the report outlined in subsection (a) of this section; and

(2) A pilot training program for up to 50 certified mental health and substance use disorder providers on best practices for screening, assessing, and providing treatment to individuals with problem-gambling disorder.

(e) For purposes of this section, "problem gambling" means a condition characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that adversely affects individuals or their families, often disrupting their daily lives and careers, resulting in significant distress or impairment.