A notable shift in federal policy has recently placed problem gambling among military personnel and their families under an unprecedented spotlight. For the first time, dedicated federal research funding will specifically target gambling addiction within the United States military, recognizing it as a critical public health issue. This pivotal development aims to unravel the complexities of gambling related harm among those who serve, and to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A Pivotal Legislative Breakthrough
The catalyst for this new focus is the Defense Appropriations Act, which was signed into law following its passage in Congress with a 217-214 vote in the House, having already cleared the Senate. This comprehensive bill allocates a substantial $370 million to the US Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). While the PRMRP supports a broad spectrum of medical research projects that hold direct relevance to military health, a significant portion of this funding is now specifically earmarked for investigating gambling addiction in active service members and their families.
The PRMRP, established in 1999, has a long history of backing scientifically rigorous research aimed at improving the health and well-being of military personnel, veterans, retirees, and their families. Covering over 240 subjects, from infectious diseases to autoimmune disorders, its mission is to responsibly manage collaborative research that delivers healthcare solutions. This new inclusion of gambling addiction marks a profound change in how the federal government perceives and approaches this issue within a public health framework.
Heather Maurer, the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), highlighted the immense significance of this legislative action, noting that it represents the first instance of federal research funding being made available for studying gambling addiction. She emphasized that this step is particularly crucial for service members and veterans, who contend with heightened risks and have historically lacked adequate research attention.
The Persistent Advocacy Behind the Change
The journey to secure this funding was far from swift or simple, embodying years of dedicated advocacy from various quarters. Calls for increased research into military gambling addiction had been growing for a considerable period. Among the most ardent proponents was Cole Wogoman, the Director of Government Relations at the National Council on Problem Gambling. He expressed profound pride in his team’s collective efforts, which involved a multifaceted approach that saw lobbyists working on the ground, state chapters of the NCPG engaging with members of Congress, and board members actively joining the advocacy.
The NCPG’s collaborative spirit extended to partnerships with prominent gaming companies like BetMGM, MGM Resorts, and FanDuel. Together, they urged Senate appropriators to include dedicated funding for gambling research in the Pentagon’s fiscal 2026 budget bill, demonstrating a cross-industry commitment to responsible gaming. This unified effort underscores the growing recognition that addressing problem gambling requires broad collaboration and a comprehensive public health approach.
Understanding the Unique Vulnerabilities of Service Members
Military life, with its inherent stressors, deployments, potential for trauma, and unique cultural aspects, presents a particular set of risk factors that can predispose service members to problem gambling. Research consistently indicates that military personnel experience higher rates of gambling addiction compared to the general civilian population. Some studies suggest active-duty service members are twice as likely as civilians to have a gambling disorder, and even up to 3.5 times higher than the general population in some instances.
Beyond the direct impact of gambling itself, the issue often intertwines with other serious mental health challenges prevalent in the military community. Problem gambling frequently co-occurs with conditions such as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. For some, gambling can become a coping mechanism, a way to escape the intense pressures of military service, combat experiences, or the difficulties of reintegration into civilian life post-deployment. The tragic links between problem gambling and suicide are particularly stark, with data indicating that 40% of veterans seeking treatment for gambling addiction have attempted suicide.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO), the independent auditing arm of the federal government, has also weighed in on this critical issue. In a report published last year, the GAO recommended that the Department of Defense enhance its efforts to protect service members from gambling related harm. The report highlighted that 185 active-duty service members received a gambling related diagnosis in fiscal year 2024 alone. Critically, the GAO also found that recent updates to military health guidance on gambling disorder had not been adequately implemented, leaving service members vulnerable due to a lack of clear responsibility for carrying out key measures. Another aspect brought to light by the GAO in 2017 was the DoD’s operation of over 3,100 slot machines on US military installations in foreign countries, which generated over $100 million annually and were considered “morale boosters.” This highlights the complex relationship between military welfare programs and the potential for gambling related harm.
Proactive Measures and Research Initiatives
Recognizing the urgent need for action, private organizations have also stepped up to support military personnel and their families. The Kindbridge Research Institute, for example, launched a dedicated program a few months ago to reduce gambling related harm and issues within the military community. Kindbridge Research Institute has formed the Military Gambling Awareness Committee (MGAC), an initiative specifically designed to address and mitigate these harms. The MGAC aims to improve the welfare and operational readiness of service members by embedding awareness and proactive measures into military life.
Dr. Nathan D. Smith, Executive Director of the Kindbridge Research Institute, stated that the establishment of the MGAC is a pivotal step in their mission to support the mental health and well-being of service members. The committee plans to collaborate closely with the military and the Department of Defense to identify policy gaps through evidence-based approaches, offering guidance on potential adjustments. By leveraging data, programs, and resources, MGAC seeks to foster a more holistic public health approach to gambling within the military. Marc Lucia, a Senior Military Research Associate at Kindbridge and Chairperson of the MGAC, brings valuable firsthand experience as a former Special Forces medic, underscoring the deep understanding driving their initiatives.
The Shifting Landscape of the Gaming Industry
The increasing accessibility of gambling, particularly through online platforms, has amplified the urgency of addressing problem gambling in all populations, including the military. The United States gaming industry has undergone substantial expansion and diversification in recent years. As of 2025, sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington D.C., generating significant tax revenues for states and record overall revenues for operators. In 2023, states collected more than $1.8 billion in tax revenue from sports betting alone, with legal operations generating a record $10.92 billion in revenue.
The online gambling market in the US is experiencing rapid growth, estimated at $12.68 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $14.79 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 16.51%. Mobile platforms currently account for over 80% of the online gambling market, making betting incredibly convenient and pervasive. This expansion, while economically beneficial, also brings societal concerns. Studies indicate that the legalization of online gambling can lead to increased irresponsible gambling behavior, particularly among lower-income individuals.
In this evolving digital landscape, new forms of betting, such as crypto gambling, have also emerged, adding another layer of accessibility and complexity to the industry. For those interested in this intersection of digital finance and betting, resources like InsideBitcoins’ crypto casinos guide offer insights into the burgeoning market.
A Broader Public Health Conversation
This federal commitment to researching military gambling addiction represents a meaningful advancement in public health policy. Historically, federal funding for gambling research has been limited, and securing grants from institutions like the National Institutes of Health has been challenging, despite problem gambling being recognized as a psychiatric disorder since 1980.
The Defense Appropriations Act’s inclusion of gambling addiction as an approved research area signals a broader recognition that this is not merely an individual failing, but a complex public health issue requiring systemic investigation and support. The implications of this research extend beyond active-duty service members to veterans and their families, ultimately benefiting the wider American public. By understanding the specific vulnerabilities, triggers, and impacts of gambling addiction within the military context, researchers can develop tailored interventions and support systems. This proactive approach will hopefully foster a more resilient and healthier military community, ensuring that those who serve our nation receive the comprehensive care they deserve for all aspects of their well-being. Looking ahead, this new funding sets a precedent for how behavioral addictions can be integrated into national health research priorities, potentially influencing future legislative and funding decisions across various health domains. The ongoing conversation around responsible gaming and the need for robust support systems will undoubtedly continue to shape policy and practice as the gaming industry evolves.
Another important aspect of this evolving landscape is the National Council on Problem Gambling‘s ongoing efforts. They estimate that between 7.5 million and 10.5 million Americans suffer from a gambling disorder, emphasizing the widespread nature of this behavioral health issue. Their work, combined with federal initiatives, is crucial in bringing attention and resources to a problem that has often been overlooked despite its significant societal impact.
