Problem gambling is a mental health issue that affects a minority of our population, but to those most susceptible, the issue is very real. Now, a request for research in that area pertaining to military members and veterans has been made by the National Council on Problem Gambling, as well as some gaming companies.
Protecting Those Who Protect Us
Many states require that a portion of the revenue generated by the state be set aside for responsible gambling programs and resources that can assist those who need help. However, an important segment of the population has been largely ignored, and those are the members and veterans of our military.
BetMGM and FanDuel have partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling to request research be done to better address the needs of service members who may be in jeopardy due to gambling addiction.
It was in June that the National Council on Problem Gambling sent a letter to Senators Mitch McConnell and Chris Coons, chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriation Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, requesting that gambling addiction be included as an eligible research topic in the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program as part of the FY26 defense appropriations bill.
“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,” the letter said. “… 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.”
Tackling the Problem
BetMGM, MGM Resorts, FanDuel, and 24 state affiliates co-signed the letter. Multiple scientific papers have noted that gambling issues can tend to amplify issues military members are already experiencing. One study asserts that active and retired military members experience gambling issues at double the rate of regular civilians.
Cory Fox, VP of Public Policy and Sustainability at FanDuel, stated, “Problem gambling disproportionately impacts our military communities and has life-altering impacts on service members who do not receive treatment. We’re proud to stand with an industry coalition to ask that we support our service members and their families by adding gambling addiction as an eligible research topic in the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program.”
MGM Resorts recently announced a $180,000 donation to the Kindbridge Research Institute to study various segments of the population and how gaming affects them.
“As a global gaming and hospitality leader, we are always looking to support innovative and actionable research that can make a positive impact,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts. “As our company continues to grow both domestically and internationally, these studies will allow us to support our industry and enhance the sustainability of communities in which we operate.”
The study is expected to serve as a barometer for mobile sportsbooks and iGaming platforms to identify problem gambling patterns that may exist or could develop within certain population groups, namely military members and veterans.
