Senate Advances Research on Gambling Addiction Among Military Personnel

The Senate Appropriations Committee's recent approval of a provision within the FY26 Senate Defense Appropriations Bill represents a pivotal moment in the recognition and treatment of gambling addiction among military personnel. For the first time, gambling addiction will be an eligible research topic under the Department of Defense's Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), marking a significant step forward in addressing this behavioral health condition that disproportionately affects active duty servicemembers and veterans.

This initiative, championed by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and supported by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) along with industry leaders such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and MGM Resorts International, aims to bridge the research gap that has left military communities without adequate tools for early intervention and evidence-based care. Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG's Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of this development, highlighting the potential for improved understanding and treatment of gambling addiction within these populations.

Research from NCPG indicates that nearly 20 million American adults experience problematic gambling behaviors, with military personnel being twice as likely as civilians to face gambling problems. The stakes are particularly high for veterans, among whom nearly 40% seeking treatment for gambling addiction have attempted suicide. This provision seeks to align the support for gambling addiction with that of other behavioral health challenges like PTSD and depression, as noted by Sen. Luján.

The FY26 Defense Appropriations bill, now moving to the full Senate for consideration, could establish the first federally recognized pathway for gambling addiction research in the military, building on previous mandates for annual gambling disorder screenings. This legislative effort underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research and resources to address the unique challenges faced by servicemembers and veterans struggling with gambling addiction.