For release from the National Council on Problem Gambling (Post 108)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018
Post 108
For release from the National Council on Problem Gambling:
The [United States of America] Department of Defense generates $100 million each year from the 3,141 slot machines on overseas bases. Slot machines have been outlawed on domestic military installations since 1951. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that as many as 56,000 active duty members of the Armed Forces meet criteria for gambling disorder.
The following article details information about the H.R. 5515: John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 and the new provision that allows for Gambling Disorder screening. I am including this for the August 2018 edition of the GRM Blog.
Gambling Disorder Screening Provision Included in the National Defense Authorization Act 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2018
CONTACT: Cait Huble
202-360-4560
WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, August 13, 2018 President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA) that includes a provision requiring members of the Armed Forces to be screened for gambling addiction. This has been a top legislative priority for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for the past 16 years. Gambling disorder screening questions were included in large scale surveys of active duty personnel throughout the 1990’s until 2002, when the questions were removed.
Section 733 of the House Armed Services Committee Report 115-874 requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to incorporate medical screening questions specific to gambling disorder in the next annual periodic health assessment conducted by the Department as well as in the Health Related Behaviors Surveys of Active-Duty and reserve component service members. The Secretary of Defense is required to submit a report to Congress on the findings of the assessment and surveys in connection with the prevalence of gambling disorder among service members.
NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte said “Previous DoD surveys have found active duty personnel are two to three times more likely to have gambling problems than civilians. Better detection of gambling problems improves overall health and reduces social costs. Undetected gambling addiction exacerbates substance use disorders, depression and suicidal behavior.”
Whyte continued “NCPG strongly believes military personnel need and deserve effective gambling addiction prevention, education, treatment, enforcement, research, responsible gaming and recovery services. With the provision requiring members of the Armed Forces to be screened for gambling addiction, championed by Senator Elizabeth Warren, we take a vital step to improving the lives of service members and their families.”
The DoD generates $100 million each year from the 3,141 slot machines on overseas bases. Slot machines have been outlawed on domestic military installations since 1951. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that as many as 56,000 active duty members of the Armed Forces meet criteria for gambling disorder.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
NCPG is the national advocate for problem gamblers and their families. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gaming. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat for confidential help.
To schedule an interview with Keith Whyte, please contact Cait Huble at 202-360-4560 or CaitH@ncpgambling.org .
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After reviewing this information, I have one very basic question: If gambling disorder is indicated [and obviously from previous statistics, it will be], what are the next nonpunitive steps to be taken by the Department of Defense?
In other words, what responsibility/obligation will the DoD assume and implement to care for and assist personnel into recovery?
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit: