Published on: September 27, 2025, 03:44h.
Updated on: September 26, 2025, 02:54h.
- The Government Accountability Office emphasizes the need for the Defense Department to offer guidance for installations to assist personnel facing gambling issues.
- Military personnel are reportedly more susceptible to gambling disorders.
- The U.S. government runs slot machines at military bases abroad.
The Pentagon serves as the headquarters for the United States Department of Defense, recognized as the most formidable military force globally.
No foreign military stands a chance at invading the U.S., with many defense analysts asserting that even a united global front against the USA would likely falter, largely due to its extensive nuclear capabilities.
However, one area where the U.S. might not be adequately safeguarded is in protecting its military members from the perils of gambling.
Commissioned by Congress via the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) assessed how DOD installations handle gambling-related challenges faced by personnel. This independent, nonpartisan body conducts audits and investigations for the federal government, highlighting that for every dollar spent, they return $338 in value. They asserted that the DOD needs to act promptly to aid service members.
Immediate Action Required
In January, the Defense Department revised its substance abuse policies to encompass gambling disorders, detailing actions military units should take to prevent and address gambling-related problems.
Nevertheless, the GAO discovered flaws in this update; it did not specify responsible parties for executing these programs, including training staff on gambling disorder prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
“Each military branch has its substance use guidelines incorporating gambling disorders. However, these guidelines do not encompass all revisions implemented in the DOD instruction because, as per officials, the branches have yet to update their protocols to align with the new gambling disorder requirements,” the GAO report stated.
“By clearly defining all relevant roles and responsibilities for the prevention and treatment of gambling disorders, along with ensuring that future updates are made to branch-specific guides to conform with new gambling disorder mandates, the DOD can bolster its capacity to tackle gambling issues among service members,” the report further noted.
The GAO issued nine recommendations to the Defense Department aimed at updating gambling disorder guidance within DOD installations. This includes training designated personnel to support individuals struggling with gambling issues. Recommendations were forwarded to the DOD, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Slots for Soldiers
Casino.org has reported that the U.S. military continues to operate slot machines at overseas bases, allowing service members to wager real money. These military-operated slots generate over $100 million annually.
The DOD asserts that funds generated from these machines get “reinvested in morale, welfare, and recreation programs designed to enhance quality of life for personnel, such as childcare and fitness initiatives.” However, the GAO found that these gaming operations “often lack comprehensive guidance with explicit requirements for responsible gaming practices.”
This deficiency also includes the absence of obligatory responsible gaming signage around the machines and resources to locate gambling disorder treatment.
“By providing clear guidance on responsible gaming practices at overseas installations, the military could better mitigate and respond to gambling problems arising from their recreational gaming machines,” the GAO’s findings concluded.
According to the GAO report, military personnel are at a heightened risk for gambling issues compared to the general populace, largely due to their younger age and tendency to engage in risky behaviors.