Growing Concerns Over Gambling Addiction Among US Military Personnel

With the spread of sports betting across the United States, fears of increased gambling addiction are on the rise. While several athletes have found themselves embroiled in gambling scandals, frustrated gamblers have also been making their presence felt by posting threats on social media against professional and collegiate athletes.

However, it’s not just the civilian population that’s at risk. There are growing concerns about gambling addiction within the military as well. Discussions about the revenue generated by US military slots, which bring in around $100 million annually, have stirred up fears about addiction.

Across the globe, more than 3,000 slot machines operated by the US military provide servicemen with access to gambling activities. The funds from these slots are used to support other recreational activities and amenities for military personnel.

Dominick DePhilippis, the deputy national mental health director for substance abuse disorders at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, recently spoke to CNBC about the issue. He highlighted that the rise in problem gambling isn’t unexpected. He cited the increased availability and ease of access to gambling activities as contributing factors to addiction and harm.

DePhilippis explained:

It’s not terribly surprising, because with accessibility and availability increases, we tend to see a rise in unhealthy engagement.

Gambling Addiction Among US Military Personnel Needs More Study

Despite these concerns, the Department of Defense’s Health Related Behavior survey indicated that gambling addiction among US military personnel was between 1.6% and 1.7%. These figures are not significantly different from the percentage of civilians addicted to gambling. However, this survey dates back to 2018, the same year PASPA was repealed, which allowed for the expansion of sports betting across the country. This means the full impact of sports betting on US military personnel is still unknown.

In response to these concerns, Rep. Paul Tonko has proposed an amendment calling for the ban of slot gambling on military bases. This proposal is part of the changes to the National Defense Authorization Act.

Dave Yeager, a former Army Staff Sergeant, shared his experiences with gambling in an interview with CNBC. He described how what began as a fun and relaxing activity eventually turned into an obsession and addiction. Yeager warned that gambling addiction can be debilitating for military personnel, affecting their readiness and potentially posing a threat to national security if adversaries exploit this vulnerability.

The ongoing debate and the actions being proposed highlight the seriousness of the issue. As sports betting continues to expand, the need to address and mitigate the risks of gambling addiction within the military becomes even more critical.

Online Gambling and Mental Health

Online gambling in the United States has seen substantial growth, driven by the legalization and increased accessibility of internet-based betting platforms. As of 2023, more than 30 states have legalized some form of online gambling, ranging from sports betting to casino games. According to a study conducted by the American Gaming Association (AGA), the US online gambling market was worth an estimated $13.6 billion in 2022, and it is projected to grow even further in the coming years. However, this expansion has also brought concerns about gambling addiction, with various states reporting increases in problem gambling rates.

Addiction statistics vary significantly across states. For instance, a 2022 report by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) highlighted that Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have some of the highest rates of gambling addiction. Nevada’s extensive casino culture and New Jersey’s robust online gambling market contribute to these high numbers. On the other hand, states like Utah and Hawaii, where gambling is largely prohibited, report significantly lower rates of addiction. Nonetheless, states with legalized online gambling have had to implement comprehensive support systems to address the growing issue of gambling addiction.

Several organizations and studies focus on tackling gambling addiction in the United States. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) plays a pivotal role in advocating for programs and services to assist those affected by gambling problems. They collaborate with state health departments, gaming operators, and other stakeholders to provide resources such as the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Additionally, the Harvard Medical School’s Division on Addiction conducts extensive research on gambling behaviors and addiction, offering valuable insights into prevention and treatment strategies. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the negative impacts of online gambling as the industry continues to expand.

An Exciting Online Poker Experience: CoinPoker

CoinPoker, recognized as Web3’s largest poker room, has recently been named the regional sponsor of the Argentina National Football Team by GOAT. This partnership marks a significant collaboration between CoinPoker and Argentina, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winners, under a new two-year deal.

Through this partnership, CoinPoker players will have access to a range of promotions from the Argentine Football Association (AFA). These promotions include tickets to Argentina’s home games, signed merchandise, and exclusive tournaments. The collaboration aims to enhance the experience for CoinPoker users while celebrating the success of Argentina’s national team.

Lionel Scaloni’s team, currently ranked number one in the FIFA World Rankings, has been on an impressive run, losing just one of their last 21 games. They also clinched the 2021 Copa América title by defeating Brazil in the final at the Maracanã. As Lionel Messi and his teammates compete in the 2024 regional championship across the United States, they are supported by this exciting off-field partnership with CoinPoker, a rapidly growing iGaming brand.

There are hints that loyal CoinPoker players may have the opportunity to win tickets to the Copa América finals this year. This would be a fantastic chance for football fans who haven’t yet satisfied their international football cravings, even after the Euros.

Excitement about CoinPoker and AFA Partnership

Tony G, CoinPoker ambassador, expressed immense excitement about the partnership with the Argentina Football Association. He emphasized that the partnership showcases CoinPoker’s commitment to engaging with the best in the world and celebrating mutual successes both on the CoinPoker platform and on the football field as Argentina aims to retain the Copa América title.

An AFA spokesperson echoed these sentiments, expressing their delight in announcing CoinPoker as their regional sponsor. The spokesperson highlighted that both the Argentine Football Team and CoinPoker embody a spirit of excellence and fierce competition. This partnership, they said, represents a commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and achieving new heights together.

CoinPoker, much like the Argentina national team, is a champion in its field of crypto poker. Since its launch in 2017, CoinPoker has attracted over 200,000 active users. The platform offers Ethereum-backed deposits and withdrawals, instant payouts, and market-leading bonuses and promotions, making it a revolutionary force in online gambling.

A Blockchain Technology Based Casino

CoinPoker utilizes blockchain technology to address key challenges in online poker, such as ring-fencing, payment processing issues, and game integrity. The platform also uses verifiable random number generation and Web3 marketing initiatives to expand its reach. In 2022, CoinPoker made headlines by hosting the biggest pot in online poker history, with poker legends like Antanas ‘Tony G’ Guoga participating in a Pot Limit Omaha game that reached $7,750,000.

Despite differing regulatory approaches among jurisdictions posing challenges, the online poker market is set to expand rapidly. CoinPoker, with its unique position at the intersection of online poker and crypto, is well-placed to lead this growth. As the industry evolves, CoinPoker aims to remain at the forefront, much like the Argentina national team in football.

CoinPoker’s partnership with the Argentina National Football Team symbolizes a union of champions in their respective fields. This collaboration not only enhances the offerings for CoinPoker players but also aligns the platform with a globally recognized football powerhouse. As both entities continue to excel, they look forward to maintaining their leadership positions and achieving new heights together.

For more details and to experience CoinPoker firsthand, visit their website.