#United States #Washington #National Council #Gambling Addiction #Veterans Issues

Senate Approves Key Gambling Addiction Research Funding

In a landmark decision, the Senate Appropriations Committee has given the green light to a vital provision in the FY26 Senate Defense Appropriations Bill, which acknowledges gambling addiction as an appropriate research topic under the Department of Defense's Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). This noteworthy move is aimed at addressing gambling disorder as a significant behavioral health issue affecting active duty servicemembers and veterans.

A Collaborative Effort

The provision garnered traction through the efforts of a diverse coalition of lawmakers, led by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). This initiative has also received backing from over two dozen state affiliates of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), as well as major gambling industry players such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and MGM Resorts International.

Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG's Board of Directors, remarked, "The Committee's action will finally give researchers, local VA clinicians, and military health officials the ability to better understand and address gambling addiction among those who serve." He expressed gratitude to allies in Congress, industry partners, and the public health community for enabling this pivotal advancement.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

According to recent findings from NCPG, nearly 20 million American adults reported experiencing significant gambling-related issues within the past year. Although overall gambling problem rates appear to be stabilizing, military populations are still acutely impacted, with servicemembers exhibiting gambling addiction rates twice that of civilians. Notably, around 40% of veterans seeking treatment for gambling addiction have reported previous suicide attempts, underscoring the gravity of this situation.

Senator Luján emphasized, "Servicemembers and Veterans facing gambling addiction deserve the same level of support and understanding we've worked to build around PTSD, depression, and other behavioral health challenges." He defined this legislative movement as a critical step toward recognizing the real challenges faced by military communities and ensuring necessary federal funding for foundational research to support recovery.

Historical Context and Future Implications

In 2019, Congress mandated yearly screenings for gambling disorders through the National Defense Authorization Act. However, the absence of federal research funding has left military and local VA clinicians without essential data and tools needed for early intervention and effective evidence-based care.

Should the FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill become law, it will establish the first federally recognized pathway for researching gambling addiction within the military, marking a significant milestone in understanding and tackling this urgent issue. Shortly, the bill will move forward to the full Senate for consideration, signaling a substantial change in addressing gambling addiction.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), based in Washington, D.C., serves as the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to minimizing economic and social costs affiliated with gambling addiction. The NCPG remains neutral on legalized gambling.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a gambling problem, support is readily available without stigma or shame. Reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is confidential and accessible 24/7, at no cost.