Federal Bill Would Ban Slot Machines on US Military Bases Worldwide

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jun 9, 2024

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Rep. Paul Tonko has proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit the operation of slot machines on military bases. This proposal addresses growing concerns over gambling addiction among service members.

While the Pentagon argues that the revenue generated by slot machines is essential for funding various recreational activities on bases, advocates against gambling highlight the risks and potential for addiction that these machines present.

Tonko’s amendment is part of a larger legislative process. It is among over 1,300 proposed amendments to the NDAA. Typically, only a few hundred of these amendments are selected for a vote, a decision made by the House Rules Committee.

Slot machines on US military bases have historically been contentious issues. Banned in 1951, they were removed from overseas Army and Air Force bases in the 1970s, only to be reintroduced less than a decade later.

This reintroduction aimed to prevent service members from seeking such entertainment off-base, where they might encounter more trouble. As of 2017, more than 3,000 slot machines are operational on military bases across 12 countries, predominantly in Japan, South Korea, and Germany.

These machines are generally found in recreational areas like bowling alleys and clubs, and most are managed by the Army, even on Navy and Marine Corps bases.

The financial impact of these slot machines is significant, generating over $100 million annually. This revenue is a critical funding source for recreational activities on bases, such as golf courses and youth centers.

However, concerns about gambling addiction persist. A 2001 Pentagon report concluded that slot machines did not negatively impact troop morale or finances overall, although there were isolated negative incidents.

Contrastingly, a 2017 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report noted that the military lacks systematic tracking of gambling addiction among its members.

Further research underscores the issue: a 2021 study by Rutgers University found that service members and veterans are more than twice as likely to exhibit signs of problem gambling compared to civilians.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that about 56,000 service members meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. Following the findings of the 2017 GAO report, Congress mandated the inclusion of gambling disorder questions in annual health screenings.

A 2022 report revealed that 0.06% of active-duty members and 0.13% of reservists screened positive for gambling disorder during annual assessments, while 1.6% of active-duty troops and 1.7% of reservists showed positive results in periodic health behavior surveys.

Rep. Tonko is a strong advocate for addressing gambling disorders with the same rigor as other addictions recognized in the DSM-5, such as those to heroin, tobacco, and alcohol. He points out the insufficient resources available for those struggling with gambling addiction and has introduced a bill to ban online and electronic advertising of sports gambling.

Additionally, he plans to propose comprehensive legislation aimed at imposing strict regulations on online sports betting companies.

Tonko’s efforts reflect a broader concern about the well-being of service members and the potential impact of gambling on their lives. As the legislative process unfolds, the discussion around this amendment will continue to highlight the balance between generating revenue for recreational activities and safeguarding the mental health of military personnel.