Former Army Staff Sgt. Dave Yeager is grateful to be in recovery from a gambling addiction—especially now, with the rise of mobile betting apps that put the casino right into everyone’s pocket.
“I was a brick-and-mortar gambler, and I never really got the urge to gamble online—thank God I didn’t,” Yeager told Military.com. “Everybody I’ve ever talked to who made the transition… their gambling skyrocketed, and the same likely would have happened to me.”
Yeager, a former military band member and food inspector, developed his gambling habit while stationed in South Korea, where slot machines were widespread on military bases. Despite two successful Army stints, the addiction took a toll on his career, family, and finances.
Now in recovery, Yeager hosts a podcast dedicated to gambling addiction awareness for service members and veterans. He’s joined by other advocates and industry leaders in urging the federal government to prioritize research and funding into gambling addiction as a serious mental and behavioral health issue in the military.
A Lack of Federal Action on Gambling Addiction in the Ranks
While a few studies suggest gambling addiction affects service members and veterans at disproportionate rates, experts argue that research is severely lacking. In June, BetMGM, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), sent a letter to Senate leaders urging them to include gambling addiction as a topic in the Pentagon’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) for the 2026 defense budget.
According to NCPG data, 7.5 to 10.5 million Americans have a gambling disorder. For military personnel, the risk is even higher. The 2022 Department of Defense Health-Related Behaviors Survey found 1.6% of active-duty members and 1.7% of reservists reported gambling problems. Yet, these numbers are believed to be vastly underreported due to stigma and limited screening.
In contrast, the NCPG estimates military personnel experience gambling problems at twice the rate of civilians due to a mix of risk factors: isolation, stress, consistent income, and access to on-base slot machines.
The Mental Health Link: More Than Just Money
Problem gambling is not just a financial issue—it is a serious behavioral health disorder. It shares neurological and psychological traits with substance abuse and can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Studies show that 40% of those seeking treatment for gambling addiction have attempted suicide, and veterans with gambling disorders are six times more likely to experience homelessness.
However, while the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates just two residential gambling treatment centers—in Cleveland and Las Vegas—the Department of Defense (DoD) primarily approaches gambling as a disciplinary or financial issue, not a mental health concern.
“There’s minimal behavioral health referral unless a commander initiates it,” Yeager said. “In the absence of that, I’d advise service members to find anonymous support groups or seek treatment for substance abuse disorders, which often overlap.”
Sports Betting Surge and Digital Gambling Access
Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that legalized sports betting across the U.S., online gambling has exploded. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, there’s been a dramatic rise in sports betting behavior and treatment-seeking after legalization. The digital ease of access, especially via mobile phones, has introduced a new layer of risk for service members.
The 2024 NCPG study reported that 8% of Americans frequently experience problem gambling behavior, a notable increase from 7% in 2018—though slightly down from 11% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite 71% of Americans gambling in the past year, only 39% recognize gambling disorder as a “very severe” issue, compared to 55% for alcohol and 62% for drugs—highlighting a dangerous public misconception.
A National Security Issue?
FanDuel, MGM, and others say this isn’t just a health crisis—it’s a potential national security issue. Untreated gambling addiction can lead to compromised decision-making, criminal behavior, debt, divorce, or even suicide.
Cory Fox, Vice President of Public Policy and Sustainability at FanDuel, said, “Problem gambling disproportionately impacts our military communities and has life-altering impacts. We’re proud to ask that we support our service members by recognizing gambling addiction in national defense research efforts.”
Yet, despite bipartisan awareness, the fiscal 2026 defense appropriations bill and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contain no provisions addressing military gambling addiction. The last serious attempt came in 2023 when Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) proposed banning slot machines from overseas bases—home to more than 3,000 slot machines generating $100 million annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction, or gambling disorder, is a behavioral health condition characterized by compulsive gambling that disrupts personal, professional, and financial life. It often co-occurs with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Are veterans more vulnerable to gambling addiction?
Yes. Veterans face higher rates of PTSD, trauma, and isolation—risk factors linked to gambling addiction. They also have increased access to slot machines on overseas bases and may struggle with reintegration after service.
Does the military screen for gambling problems?
Since 2018, the DoD has included gambling-related questions in annual health screenings. However, rates reported—0.6% of active-duty and 0.13% of reservists—are believed to be underestimates due to stigma and lack of comprehensive screening.
How does gambling addiction affect mental health?
Problem gambling is associated with increased rates of suicidal thoughts, depression, substance abuse, and homelessness—especially among veterans. It’s considered a behavioral addiction, similar to drug and alcohol dependency.
Why is more research on military gambling addiction needed?
Experts argue that gambling addiction is underreported and poorly understood in the military. With rising online gambling trends and the high risk for service members, research is critical for prevention, intervention, and effective treatment.
