Published on: January 29, 2026, at 12:48 PM.
Updated on: January 29, 2026, at 01:14 PM.
- Pentagon pulls loot box-style vending machine following online backlash
- The machine ignited discussions over gambling features within a military setting
- Reddit users criticized the novelty item as inappropriate for a national defense establishment
The United States Department of Defense has taken down a “Lucky Box” vending machine from the Pentagon “pending a further review,” a spokesperson confirmed, after some raised concerns about the suitability of placing a chance-based device within such a significant military site.
On Christmas Eve, a company named Lucky Box Vending proudly announced via social media the installation of one of its machines at the Department of Defense (DoD) headquarters, describing it as “a place built on legacy, leadership, and history – now experiencing the excitement of Lucky Box firsthand.”
Although the post was swiftly removed, images of the device, located in the main food court of the Pentagon, quickly circulated on the r/army Reddit community and expanded into other military-related subreddits. Many found the presence of such a machine to be comically inappropriate in an establishment synonymous with national security and military order.
What is a Lucky Box Machine?
Lucky Box machines are similar to the popular “gacha” games from Japan and the loot boxes found in many contemporary video games where players pay to receive randomly assorted items rather than guaranteed rewards.
Inside a Lucky Box, you may typically uncover trading cards, branded merchandise, action figures, and various accessories, each box claimed to contain items worth at least the price paid (according to the operator’s pricing claims).
Occasionally, players might discover high-value items, such as signed sports jerseys, high-end gaming consoles, treasured trading cards, or other exclusive collectibles. The Pentagon’s Lucky Box boasted the opportunity to win an exclusive Pokémon card valued at over $100,000.
While gambling is prohibited on all military bases in the United States, including the Pentagon, slot machines are available on US bases abroad. Lucky Box games are not legally categorized as gambling, despite mimicking its mechanics.
Guaranteed Prize
Although two of the three criteria that define gambling—consideration (stake) and chance—are present, there is no true “losing” outcome legally, as players are guaranteed an item of claimed value with every transaction.
Nonetheless, Reddit users expressed their discontent.
“Why is the Pentagon supporting a scam vending machine?” questioned one user.
I never thought I’d witness a day where a Lieutenant Colonel might contemplate trading secrets for a shot at a rare Pikachu from a Pentagon food court,” quipped another.
It’s important to note that the DoD isn’t fundamentally against military personnel gambling. In fact, it operates numerous gambling facilities. The department manages over 3,000 slot machines globally, primarily at US Army bases in Japan and Germany, but also at Navy bases in Korea, Italy, Spain, Diego Garcia, Greece, and Singapore, as per the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). These establishments generate over $100 million annually for the department.