Veterans, Gambling Harms, and Finding Hope
Veterans have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Supporting veterans means recognizing challenges that can continue after military service.
Gambling can become one of those challenges. Research shows that veterans may face a greater risk for gambling problems than civilians.
What Does the Research Say?
A 2020 review examined 39 studies about gambling among U.S. military veterans. Researchers found higher rates of gambling problems among veterans than civilian populations (Etuk et al., 2020).
The review also found that gambling problems often occurred alongside trauma, substance use, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors (Etuk et al., 2020).
These findings show why awareness matters.
Why Might Veterans Face Greater Risk?
Military service can involve trauma, stress, competition, grief, and major life changes. Returning to civilian life can also bring new challenges. Veterans may lose the structure and routine that military life provided. They may also experience boredom, loneliness, or less social support.
For some veterans, gambling may seem like a way to cope with these feelings. Gambling can provide excitement, social connection, or temporary relief from stress. Research has found a connection between PTSD symptoms and gambling problems among veterans. Veterans with PTSD were more likely to engage in at-risk gambling (Whiting et al., 2016).
Researchers also found that stressful experiences after deployment increased the risk of at-risk gambling. Less social support also increased that risk (Whiting et al., 2016). These findings do not mean every veteran who gambles will develop a problem. They show why recognizing risk factors is important.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Gambling can become harmful when it starts affecting other parts of life.
- Warning signs may include:
- Gambling to escape stress or difficult emotions,
- Spending more money or time gambling than planned,
- Feeling unable to stop or hide their gambling from others, and
- Problems with relationships, work, or finances can follow.
Veterans may face additional challenges when gambling occurs alongside other concerns. These can include PTSD, substance use, and mental health struggles. (Etuk et al., 2020)
One study found that 39.5% of veteran compulsive gamblers had previously attempted suicide. (Kausch, 2003, as cited in Etuk et al., 2020)
Veterans with gambling disorder and chronic pain were also 1.9 times more likely to attempt suicide. (Etuk et al., 2020)
These statistics are serious. They also show why early awareness and support are so important.
Awareness Can Lead to Hope
Talking about gambling does not have to involve blame or judgment. It can begin with a simple question: How is gambling affecting your life? A caring conversation can help someone recognize a problem sooner. It can also open the door to support. Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a sign of strength.
Veterans have already shown tremendous strength through difficult experiences. That strength can also support healthier ways to cope and move forward.
We can help by learning the warning signs, starting conversations, and offering support without judgment. Most importantly, veterans should know they do not have to face gambling harms alone.
Awareness creates understanding.
Understanding creates connection.
Connection can create hope.
By raising awareness, we can help veterans recognize gambling harms earlier and find a path toward recovery.
Support Services
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.
Learn more about gambling harms. Visit the NYCPG Training Center to view upcoming trainings as well as a list of self-paced trainings available to all.