US lawmaker pushes GAMBLER Act to fund migrant deportations
US lawmaker from Ohio, Michael Rulli, has introduced legislation to redirect gambling tax revenue towards immigration enforcement, amid mounting political debates over the handling of migrants in American cities.
Representative Michael Rulli has put forward the “Giving Alien Migrants Back Through Lawful Excise Redistribution (GAMBLER) Act”, which proposes transferring revenue from the federal gambling excise tax, roughly $ 300 million (€ 259.2 million) annually, into a newly created Border Enforcement Trust Fund. This fund would be used exclusively to support operations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including enforcement, detention, and deportation.
At present, the revenue, derived from a zero point two five percent tax on legal wagers, goes directly into the US Treasury’s general fund. Under the new proposal, however, that money would be diverted without raising costs for American taxpayers.
Gambling revenue to fund ICE
The debate comes as Ohio considers increasing sports betting taxes, following the lead of other states such as Illinois, which approved a revised gambling tax structure earlier this week.
Speaking on the bill, Rulli said, “We’ve all witnessed the blatant disregard for law and order in Los Angeles — and frankly, enough is enough. Working-class Americans are paying the price while blue states and sanctuary cities harbour millions of illegal aliens who wave foreign flags in our streets, vandalise property and drain resources meant for our own citizens.”
The GAMBLER Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for the redirection of funds. Rulli, whose district covers Mahoning and Columbiana counties, argues that the bill enables ICE to access critical resources without asking for additional money from American families.
The proposal comes amid broader efforts by US President Donald Trump and his republican party to crack down on undocumented immigration, an issue that has gained momentum ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Legislative challenges ahead
President Donald Trump has made immigration a central theme in recent days, vowing to resume mass deportations and reinstate strict border policies, including restarting construction of the US-Mexico border wall.
However, the GAMBLER Act faces significant legislative challenges. In the Senate, the bill would need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, but Republicans currently hold only 53 seats, making bipartisan support essential.
The proposal has also sparked controversy within Rulli’s home district. Protesters have gathered outside his family-owned businesses, calling for boycotts and accusing him of favouring wealthy political interests over local concerns. Critics have also taken issue with Rulli’s reluctance to hold public town halls and garner support for his bill.
While supporters frame the measure as a fiscally responsible way to enhance immigration enforcement without raising taxes, critics warn it politicises gambling revenue and ties it to an already divisive national issue.
