Research on problem gambling included in defense funding law
The fiscal 2026 defense appropriations bill now includes problem gambling as a research topic eligible for Department of Defense funding.Summary
For the first time, the fiscal 2026 defense appropriations bill authorizes research into problem gambling through the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program. This decision follows advocacy from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and gaming companies. According to a 2022 survey, 1.6% of active-duty service members and 1.7% of reserve members show signs of gambling addiction, yet research on the issue within the military community has been limited. The NCPG emphasizes that this funding availability is a crucial step, especially for servicemembers and veterans who are at higher risk and have been historically underserved by research. Problem gambling is linked to serious consequences, including increased homelessness among veterans and a high rate of suicide attempts among those seeking treatment. The $370 million allocated for research under the PRMP will cover various health topics, and advocates hope to see studies on the impact of online gambling and sports betting, as well as interventions and treatments.
(Source：DefenseNews.com)