DoD Secures $370 Million for Gambling Addiction Research in the Military
The recently signed Defense Appropriations Act allocates $370 million to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). This funding supports scientific medical research projects relevant to military health, with a significant portion dedicated specifically to investigating gambling addiction among active service members and their families.
Research Focus on Gambling Addiction Within the Military
The bill was approved by Congress with a narrow margin, signaling a historic milestone as it designates gambling addiction as a federally funded research priority for the first time. This advancement holds particular importance for both service members and veterans, populations that face increased vulnerability to gambling disorders yet have been underrepresented in prior research efforts.
Within the Act, $180 million is directed toward non-defense projects, including this focus on gambling addiction, marking a shift to addressing the issue from a public health perspective. The presence of dedicated federal funds opens new possibilities for gaining insight into gambling-related challenges faced by military personnel, especially as the U.S. gaming sector continues to evolve and expand.
The Journey Toward Securing Research Funding
Although the provision for studying gambling addiction was officially included in the DoD bill in August of the previous year, advocacy for this research had been ongoing well beforehand. Leadership from the National Council on Problem Gambling, including Director of Government and League Relations Cole Wogoman, played a key role in rallying support across multiple channels.
Successful passage of the measure was achieved through collective efforts—grassroots lobbying, outreach by state chapters to lawmakers, and active participation from board members. This collaborative strategy is viewed as a model for future advocacy campaigns targeting similar causes.
Additional calls for enhanced research have come from government watchdog agencies such as the Government Accountability Office, which recently urged the Department of Defense to ramp up initiatives aimed at mitigating gambling-related harm among service members. According to their data, 185 active-duty personnel were diagnosed with gambling disorders during the 2024 fiscal year.
Furthermore, private organizations have demonstrated their commitment to this cause. For instance, the Kindbridge Research Institute initiated a program to reduce gambling harm impacting military members and their families, reinforcing widespread support for tackling this public health challenge within the armed forces.
