The National Council on Problem Gambling has requested that research into problem gambling among active military members and veterans be included in the FY 2026 defense appropriation bill.
Key Takeaways
- The National Council on Problem Gambling has requested that medical research into gambling addiction in military personnel be included in the GY26 defense appropriations bill
- The letter was signed by 24 state affiliates, BetMGM, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts
- The National Council on Problem Gambling cited several medical papers showing military service members are at higher risk of gambling addiction
The request was made by letter to Senators Mitch McConnell and Chris Coons, who both sit on the Senate Appropriation Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense. McConnell is also the chairman of the subcommittee.
“Despite the high prevalence and risk of gambling addiction amongst our service members and veterans, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how to best treat, intervene, and prevent this mental health issue within the military population… Strong bipartisan support for gambling addiction research for improved screening, treatment, and recovery will allow for lifesaving efforts for many of your constituents who have chosen to serve our country and their families," the letter said.
That letter was also signed by online gambling operators BetMGM and FanDuel. The company behind half of BetMGM, MGM Resorts International, also signed the letter along with 24 state affiliates.
Medical research suggests veterans at risk of problem gambling
Data cited by the National Council on Problem Gambling suggests that veterans are significantly more at risk of problem gambling than the general population, and that those struggling with problem gambling are more at risk of further harmful behaviour.
One study found that military personnel’s problem gambling scores were double the rate for civilians, while another found that 40% of veterans seeking treatment for a gambling problem attempted suicide.
The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program has a fact sheet about problem gambling in the military, showing that 9.8% of active duty service members showed signs of problem gambling in 2002. That’s old data, but all feeds into the problem that the NCPG is trying to mitigate.
U.S. companies and lawmakers continue to focus on responsible gambling
Gambling companies across the U.S. have shown a commitment to responsible gambling and treating problem gambling in 2025. BetMGM and MGM Resorts increased their commitment to responsible gambling before signing the National Council on Problem Gambling’s letter funding gambling research through the Kindbridge Research Institute and Kindbridge Behavioral Health in March 2025.
Meanwhile, New Jersey lawmakers have been considering a bill to enforce mandatory gambling education in high schools in the state. That bill has been co-signed by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.
