Gambling and the Military
Gambling opportunities continue to increase nationally and throughout the world. Most people can gamble without experiencing problems, but for some, gambling can become a problem. Those in the military, veterans, and their families are susceptible to gambling problems.
How does gambling affect service members and their families? Some of the following consequences can occur with problem or pathological gambling:
- • Letters of indebtedness
- • Bounced checks
- • Misuse of government credit cards
- • Security risk
- • Forgery
- • Embezzlement
- • Loss of rank
- • Divorce
- • Lost work time/productivity
- • Forced retirements
- • Bad conduct discharges
- • Suicidal risks
Why is problem gambling an issue with active and retired military?
- • Active military tend to be young and athletic, highly competitive, risk takers, and in high stress situations.
- • Retired military may have extra time on their hands. Gambling may be a replacement for the action. According to the Florida Prevalence Study (2003), those with military experience are most likely to increase gambling-related difficulties.
- • Gambling activities are commonplace within veterans’ recreational establishments, clubs, and on some military bases.
Reasons active and retired military and family members gamble:
- • Socialize or as a form of entertainment
- • Win money or other items of value
- • Pass the time
- • Cope with separation
- • Relieve stress
- • Thrill seeking
- • Escape reality