American soldiers are becoming addicted to gambling, while Canadians are encouraged to think twice
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The number of US military personnel addicted to online casinos is on the rise, yet the issue is not currently being treated with sufficient seriousness. There are no educational programs among soldiers or psychological support services that work across the entire army, according to a CNBC report.
A striking example occurred after the September 11 attacks, when at one of the American military bases, a sergeant in the US Army, Dave Yeager, sat down at a Department of Defense slot machine and made what he calls the biggest mistake of a novice gambler - he won. The euphoria from the win didn't last long, however, and the excitement turned into a disorder that cost him his career, money, and family.
Later, in his book "Downfall - A Veteran's Struggle with Gambling Addiction," Dave Yeager described how he borrowed money from subordinates, stole small amounts of cash, and left his family in financial distress. Such vulnerability of any military personnel affects national security, should adversaries exploit it. When Yeager confessed to his commanders, no one offered help.
As of 2017, the US Department of Defense managed over 3,100 slot machines at military facilities across a dozen countries outside the United States. These machines generate over $100 million in annual revenue and are seen as a means to boost soldiers' morale, welfare, and relaxation, akin to golf or libraries.
- Studies have shown that the prevalence of gambling and disorders among veterans reaches 10.7% in some parts of the US.
- The Department of Defense states that the rate of gambling addiction among military personnel is 1.6% to 1.7%, which corresponds to civilian rates of illness.
- Defense researchers are aware of the increasing accessibility of gambling through mobile applications and will consider these variables in future studies.
Military personnel now undergo screening for gambling-related disorders annually during medical examinations.