Senate Approves Groundbreaking Research on Military Gambling Addiction

The Senate Appropriations Committee's recent approval of a provision within the FY26 Senate Defense Appropriations Bill represents a pivotal moment in the fight against gambling addiction among military personnel and veterans. For the first time, gambling addiction will be recognized as an eligible research topic under the Department of Defense's Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). This decision underscores the growing recognition of gambling disorder as a critical behavioral health issue affecting those who serve.

Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), alongside a coalition of lawmakers and supported by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and major gambling industry operators such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and MGM Resorts International, championed this initiative. Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG's Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of this development, stating it enables researchers and health officials to better understand and combat gambling addiction within the military community.

Research from NCPG reveals that nearly 20 million American adults experience problematic gambling behaviors annually, with military members being twice as likely as civilians to face gambling problems. Alarmingly, 40% of veterans seeking treatment for gambling addiction have attempted suicide, highlighting the urgent need for targeted research and intervention strategies.

This provision builds on previous efforts, including the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act's mandate for annual gambling disorder screenings. However, the lack of federal research funding has hindered the ability of military and VA clinicians to provide evidence-based care. The FY26 Defense Appropriations bill seeks to address this gap by establishing a federally recognized research pathway for gambling addiction in the military.

The bill's progression to the full Senate for consideration marks a hopeful step forward in acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by servicemembers and veterans with gambling addiction. For more information on problem gambling and resources for help, visit https://www.1800gamblerchat.org.