Senate Bill Advances to Fund Military Gambling Addiction Research

A Disproportionate Risk

The move addresses a significant health concern. According to data from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), active-duty service members are twice as likely as civilians to experience problem gambling.

The consequences can be severe. Nearly 40% of veterans who seek treatment for gambling addiction report having attempted suicide.

Despite these numbers, gambling addiction remains one of the most under-researched behavioral health conditions among military populations.

A Bipartisan Push for Research

The legislative effort was led by Senator Ben Ray Luján and received broad support. The coalition behind the provision included more than two dozen state affiliates of the NCPG, as well as major gambling industry operators such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and MGM Resorts International.

“Servicemembers and Veterans facing gambling addiction deserve the same level of support and understanding we’ve worked to build around PTSD, depression, and other behavioral health challenges,” said Sen. Luján.

He called the provision a “critical step” toward ensuring the federal government invests in the research needed to support recovery.

Closing a Gap in Care

Congress previously took action on this issue. The FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act mandated annual screenings for gambling disorder. However, a crucial piece was missing: federal research funding. Without this funding, military and VA clinicians have lacked the necessary data and tools for effective early intervention and evidence-based treatment.

Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG’s Board of Directors, said the committee’s action “will finally give researchers, local VA clinicians, and military health officials the ability to better understand and address gambling addiction among those who serve.”