The Guardian Highlights Gambling Addiction Crisis in the US Military
In a recent feature, The Guardian delved into the growing issue of gambling addiction among US military personnel, highlighting the personal story of former Sergeant Dave Yeager. Yeager, who re-enlisted after 9/11, recounted how his gambling problem began during his deployment in Seoul, Korea, when he stumbled upon a casino-style slot machine room in his base hotel. What started as a way to cope with stress quickly spiraled into a severe addiction.
Military Gambling Addiction: A Long-Standing Issue
Yeager’s experience is not isolated. The Guardian article explains that the US military has grappled with gambling issues for decades.
Despite a 1951 ban on slot machines on domestic bases, these machines were reintroduced to overseas bases in the 1980s to prevent troops from seeking off-base gambling venues.
Today, more than 3,000 slot machines on bases worldwide generate over $100 million annually. However, none of this revenue is allocated towards gambling education, prevention, or treatment.
Alarming Statistics and Personal Stories
A 2016 survey of Iraq war veterans found that 4.2% had become at-risk gamblers following their deployment. Additionally, the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that about 56,000 active duty service members may meet the criteria for gambling disorder.
This rate mirrors the estimated 1% of the general US adult population but is especially concerning given the military’s unique pressures and environments.
The article also highlighted that military members, taught to manage stress and fulfill their missions without showing vulnerability, may be particularly susceptible to gambling addiction. This cultural aspect can exacerbate the problem, making it difficult for those affected to seek help.
Systemic Challenges and Legislative Efforts
Despite the recognition of gambling disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders since 1980, the military has been slow to address it. Only since 2019 has the Department of Defense mandated annual screenings for gambling disorders. Yet, these screenings are not as comprehensive as those for substance abuse or physical fitness.
In response to this crisis, some federal lawmakers have introduced legislation to improve tracking and treatment of gambling disorders among service members.
Notably, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Steve Daines proposed a bill in 2017 to enhance the Department of Defense’s approach to gambling addiction. More recently, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas and Senator Richard Blumenthal have advocated for allocating federal gambling tax revenues to national treatment and research programs.
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