Alliance Formed for Military Problem Gaming Assessment
Michael Savio, a writer based in Denver, is known for his coverage of the sports betting industry for Casino.com. His work is focused on providing clear and factual information, making complex topics easy to understand for readers.
For over four years, Savio has delved into the intricacies of the sports betting world. However, when he's not covering the industry, he finds himself betting on sports, much like many others who follow the industry closely.
A significant issue that has caught Savio's attention recently is the lack of formal research and understanding surrounding problem gambling within the military. Despite evidence suggesting that military personnel and veterans are at higher risk for gambling addiction compared to civilians, the current state of research is characterized by significant gaps.
The U.S. military suffers from a near absence of standardized screening, prevention, or treatment programs addressing problem gambling. This is particularly concerning given that service members, who tend to be younger males inclined toward risk-taking behaviors, are a high-risk group, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
Recently, this issue has gained bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate to push for increased research and funding as part of the fiscal year 2026 defense appropriations bill. The NCPG, in coordination with major gambling companies including FanDuel and BetMGM, as well as MGM Resorts International and state problem gambling councils, has urged Congress to include military gambling issues in the Defense Department’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program.
This research would aim to improve data, prevention, and treatment strategies for military personnel and veterans struggling with problem gambling. Studies have shown that military personnel's problem gambling scores are about twice the civilian average, and veterans with gambling issues face severe consequences, including a 40% suicide attempt rate among those seeking gambling treatment.
FanDuel and BetMGM have formally signed on to support this initiative, reflecting a growing responsibility from the gambling industry toward addressing addiction within military communities. This partnership is poised to improve screening, prevention, and recovery supports for affected service members and veterans.
In addition to the legislative efforts, broader addiction research in 2025 recognizes military populations as vulnerable to gambling harm. However, reluctance among service members to seek help remains a barrier to effective intervention.
In summary, the military’s systemic understanding and treatment of problem gambling are currently minimal, but new bipartisan congressional initiatives supported by the National Council on Problem Gambling and industry leaders like FanDuel and BetMGM aim to catalyze formal research funding and action starting in FY 2026. This collaboration is poised to improve screening, prevention, and recovery supports for affected service members and veterans.
Michael Savio's work does not repeat earlier facts and is devoid of advertisements, ensuring his readers receive unbiased, accurate, and easy-to-understand information on the sports betting industry and related issues. In his explorations of everything Colorado has to offer, Savio continues to provide insightful and informative content, keeping his readers well-informed on the latest developments in the industry.
- Michael Savio, while not covering the sports betting industry, personally engages in sports betting, similar to many others who closely follow the industry.
- As part of his broader work, Savio has expressed concern over the lack of formal research and understanding regarding problem gambling within the military, specifically emphasizing the need for improved screening, prevention, and treatment programs for this high-risk group.
