Learn About the Newly-Formed Military Gambling Awareness Committee
Published: September 2, 2024
The more research conducted on gambling disorders, the more professionals can understand the risks and factors that go into developing one. Findings show there are many reasons someone can develop a gambling disorder, but a few demographics can place people at an increased risk. This includes males ages 18-44, minorities, or Veterans.
Why Veterans? This is likely due to a combination of factors. Many military bases come with plenty of opportunities to gamble through card games with others, scratch-off tickets, or onsite slot machines. In addition, long periods of boredom or stress often accompany military members living on base, and gambling can be seen as an escape, providing another chance for a gambling disorder to develop.
Once service members return home, either as Veterans or on non-active duty, they might be processing some traumatic experiences and navigating the emotions that come with them. This is why Veterans are also more likely to have other mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
In Ohio…
- Veterans with PTSD are up to 60 percent more likely to experience a gambling disorder.
- Depression among Veterans who experience a gambling disorder is as high as 76 percent.
- Of Veterans who use Veteran treatment services, up to 10 percent experience a gambling disorder.
- Among Veterans seeking treatment, those who have reported attempting suicide is as high as 40 percent.
To reach more Veterans with quality care and resources, the Kindbridge Research Institute, a “learning and knowledge hub for behavioral addictions,” recently announced the formation of the Military Gambling Awareness Committee (MGAC).
According to a recent press release, the MGAC plans “to collaborate with the military and the Department of Defense to identify policy gaps through evidence-based approaches and offer guidance on potential adjustments. By leveraging data, programs, information, and other resources, MGAC seeks to improve the Department of Defense’s approach to gambling, ultimately advocating for a more holistic public health approach within the military.”
The hope for the creation of this new committee will be an enhanced support system that mitigates gambling-related harms for the Veterans and military community.
While the formation of the MGAC is still underway, you might be looking for resources or support that are available to Veterans immediately. The National Council on Problem Gambling’s online prevention tool, OperationResponsibleGambling.org, provides resources for Veterans and active military members.
Pause Before You Play also has a Veteran toolkit of resources to raise awareness about gambling disorder and promote responsible gambling. These resources include posters, handouts, and social media posts and can be customized to feature the contact information and logos of local Ohio organizations. To request customized or co-branded assets, please fill out a request form.
Trained and non-judgmental specialists at the confidential Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline are available to answer calls from the Veteran and active military community 24/7. Make the call today to the free Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.
And lastly, if you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.