Senate Committee Approves Groundbreaking Research into Military Gambling Addiction

The recent decision by the Senate Appropriations Committee to include gambling addiction as an eligible research topic under the Department of Defense's Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) in the FY26 Senate Defense Appropriations Bill is a landmark moment for military health care. This provision, spearheaded by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and backed by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) alongside industry giants like FanDuel, BetMGM, and MGM Resorts International, addresses a critical gap in research and treatment options for gambling disorder among servicemembers and veterans.

Research indicates that military personnel are twice as likely as civilians to struggle with gambling problems, with nearly 40% of veterans seeking treatment for gambling addiction reporting a suicide attempt. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of the provision, which seeks to equip military and VA clinicians with the tools necessary for early intervention and evidence-based care. The inclusion of gambling addiction research in the PRMRP not only acknowledges the severity of the issue but also aligns it with other behavioral health challenges such as PTSD and depression.

Senator Luján's initiative builds on previous legislative efforts, including the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act's requirement for annual gambling disorder screenings. By establishing a federally recognized pathway for research, the FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill has the potential to transform the understanding and treatment of gambling addiction within the military community. The bill's progression to the full Senate for consideration represents a hopeful step forward in providing servicemembers and veterans with the support and resources they need for recovery.