US Gambling Support: NCPG Warns of Major Capacity Crisis

In the United States, a massive gap exists between theoretical financial support and the practical implementation of gambling harm measures. While the legal gambling industry expands into new states and formats, the social safety net remains fragmented. The latest warning comes from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), which describes a dangerous capacity crisis. The issue is not primarily a lack of money on paper, but rather the inability of authorities to transform allocated funds into real assistance for those affected.

The recent budget update report from the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services (NAADGS) highlights a paradox. At a time when demand for counseling and therapy is surging, many US states have not even come close to utilizing their budgets. This leads to a risky political dynamic where decision-makers cut budgets, falsely assuming that the need for help is non-existent. In reality, the spending fails due to bureaucratic hurdles, lack of clinical structures, and a massive shortage of qualified professionals.

Numbers and facts

The statistical evaluations by the NAADGS are clear. Approximately 48 percent of the US states surveyed spent at least five percent less than provided for in their budgets for disordered gambling services. About 50 percent of states remained within a range of plus or minus five percent of their allocation. Only two percent of states exceeded their budget. The reasons for underspending are varied: procurement delays, challenges in staff recruitment, and shortages of external contractors were cited as the primary factors.

The figures from the National Problem Gambling Helpline are particularly concerning. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 52,644 contacts were recorded. This highlights the enormous pressure on the system. Jaime Costello of the NCPG points out that by 2036, the demand for behavioral health services could jump by 62 percent, while a 13 percent decline in healthcare staffing is projected. In the US, gambling addiction is still often viewed as an isolated problem rather than an integral part of mental health.

Background

Derek Longmeier, board president of the non-profit NCPG, has sharp words for the current situation. He emphasizes that states cannot simply allocate more money and hope that capacity appears on its own. He speaks of a crisis hiding behind a budget line. Longmeier is calling for a fundamental systemic change to break the vicious cycle of unused funds followed by budget cuts, as observed in the District of Columbia.

"The states that are underspending their problem gambling budgets aren’t telling us they have too much money. They’re telling us they don’t yet have the system to use it. It’s on all of us — states, providers, and the federal government — to build that system before more allocations are eliminated on the theory that the need wasn’t real." - Derek Longmeier, Board President, National Council on Problem Gambling

A central aspect of the demands is the standardization of screenings. Just as the SBIRT process (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) has become standard for substance abuse, early detection of gambling addiction should be routinely performed in primary care and mental health settings. Furthermore, a national network of credentialed providers must be established that is large enough to actually spend the allocated treatment dollars effectively.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, looking at the US provides an important lesson on the importance of stable regulation and preventive infrastructure. In Germany, player protection is centrally regulated by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). In contrast to the US, where aid is often fragmented, Germany relies on nationwide control systems such as LUGAS (Cross-state gambling supervision system). This system ensures that the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros is maintained across all providers. Furthermore, the stake on online slots is limited to 1 euro per spin.

German players benefit from the fact that the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) only grants licenses to providers that meet strict requirements for player protection. This includes connection to the OASIS lockout file. Anyone playing in a GGL-licensed casino can rely on the fact that support services do not just exist on paper but are firmly anchored in the German prevention landscape through license fees and legal requirements. A capacity crisis like in the USA, where aid funds expire due to a lack of structures, is to be avoided through the close integration of authorities and addiction support centers in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos with a German GGL license must proactively contribute to player protection. They are legally required to develop and implement social concepts. Compared to MGA or Curacao providers, which often offer only minimal protection measures, GGL-licensed operators must provide German players with clear tools for self-limitation. The US report illustrates that money alone does not create safety if clinical pathways are missing. In Germany, providers must ensure that conspicuous players can be directly referred to qualified counseling centers.