Posted on: April 20, 2026, 04:38h.
Last updated on: April 19, 2026, 10:39h.
- The Defense Health Agency expresses concern over the impact of online gambling on military personnel.
- No comprehensive assessment of gambling issues among military members has taken place since 2018.
The United States Defense Health Agency has raised alarms about the increasing availability of online gambling, both domestically and internationally, which poses risks to military members and their families.
The article titled, “Betting Your Future: More Than Money on the Line,” published on Army.mil and other Department of Defense platforms, outlines various hidden risks associated with online gambling being pursued by both officials and military personnel. The Defense Health Agency experts surmise that an increasing number of service members are placing wagers on online sportsbooks, casino sites, and prediction markets accessible to anyone aged 18 and older.
“Advancements in technology have enabled nearly instant access, resulting in potentially large fluctuations in financial stability,” stated Lt. Col. Isaac Lopez, a clinical psychologist with the Defense Health Agency in Aberdeen, MD. “This scenario could be detrimental for service personnel, especially younger enlisted members with lower incomes.”
Investigations into gambling disorders among military personnel are still lacking comprehensive documentation. The latest extensive review occurred in 2018, when the American Journal on Addictions found that 1.6% of active-duty service members were grappling with gambling issues.
Risks of Gambling in the Military
Slot machines are widely available at overseas military facilities, often considered entertainment. These machines generate over $100 million annually, which the DOD claims is reinvested in programs to enhance “morale, welfare, and recreation.” The DOD manages more than 3,000 slot machines across twelve countries where troops are stationed.
The rise of online gambling in recent years has allegedly escalated issues related to problem gambling since the previous report in 2018. With the proliferation of sports betting across the US, gambling has become increasingly normalized. Across the globe, offshore casino sites and online prediction platforms are now accessible.
“The unprecedented growth of online gambling since 2018 necessitates careful consideration to avoid stigmatizing service members facing gambling-related issues,” commented Matthew Beyer from the Defense Health Agency.
Beyond financial troubles, excessive gambling can put a military member’s security clearance at risk.
“Financial difficulties can pose serious challenges, and if they lead to debt, they can indeed threaten a service member’s security clearance,” Lopez elaborated.
Defense health officials emphasize that those suffering from gambling-related harm can reach out for assistance via Military OneSource, which offers confidential counseling services. The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides support for problem gambling, including screening and treatment programs.
Gambling Research in the Military
For the first time in US history, Congress acknowledged gambling addiction as a valid research topic within the Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program last year. This designation enables funding for research into the impact of gambling on service members and how best to support those experiencing challenges.
“Service members and veterans dealing with gambling addiction deserve the same level of support and understanding that we’ve worked to establish around PTSD, depression, and other mental health challenges,” expressed Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico).
“This initiative is a crucial step toward recognizing the realities faced by our military community and ensuring the federal government invests in fundamental research necessary for recovery,” Luján added.