New Colorado Initiative Targets Gambling Stigma in Military Community
The Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI) has launched a new statewide initiative in Colorado called “Stigma Stand Down,” a program specifically designed to address the interconnected challenges of mental health and problem gambling among active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The initiative is a direct response to data showing that military populations are disproportionately affected by gambling-related harm.
A “Silent Enemy” in a High-Risk Population
The program arrives at a critical time. According to KRI, military personnel are up to 3.5 times more likely to experience a gambling disorder than their civilian counterparts. This risk is compounded by the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in Colorado since 2018, which has made gambling more accessible than ever.
The initiative’s name and concept are inspired by the military’s “safety stand-downs,” where units pause normal operations to focus on a critical safety issue. In this case, the focus is on the “silent enemy” of stigma.
“Stigma is a silent enemy that leaves our service members and veterans isolated, harming their families, units, and mission readiness,” said Mark Lucia, Director of Programming at Kindbridge Research Institute. “Stigma Stand Down is our frontline response: dismantling shame and delivering free, confidential, evidence-based care designed for military realities.”
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Support
Stigma Stand Down is built on a framework of four key pillars designed to provide comprehensive support.
- Education and Resources: The program offers practical, accessible webinars, videos, and courses on topics like gambling disorder, mental health, and financial literacy, all available through a dedicated, mobile-friendly website.
- Free Mental Health Support: Through a partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health, a specialized telehealth provider, the initiative offers free and confidential virtual therapy sessions to military members and their families.
- Statewide Outreach: The program will use a mix of on-base distributions, targeted advertising, and veteran-led stories to reach both urban and rural communities across Colorado, aiming to foster a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
- Self-Assessment Tools: An anonymous “Gambling Self-Check” screener is available to provide immediate, personalized feedback, a tool designed to encourage early intervention.
A Collaborative Effort with Public and Private Backing
The initiative is supported by a coalition of public and private entities, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for targeted support for this specific population. The program was made possible through grants from the Colorado Division of Gaming and the sports betting operator FanDuel.
KRI is also collaborating with academic institutions like the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the University of New Mexico, as well as the Cactus Advertising Agency.
The ultimate goal of Stigma Stand Down is to create a more supportive environment for Colorado’s more than 60,000 active-duty, guard, and reserve personnel. By normalizing conversations around mental health and providing accessible, tailored resources, the program aims to ensure that those who serve are not left to face these hidden burdens alone
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