Gambling Addiction Prevention (GAP) Act
The GAP Act is critical to protect the health and welfare of our servicemembers by preventing gambling addiction.
The GAP Act Would:
- Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop policies and programs to prevent and treat gambling problems, in coordination with the Department’s other behavioral health efforts.
- Require educational materials and the promotion of responsible gambling on military sites where gambling activities take place.
- Requires the Department to update its regulations, instructions and guidance to explicitly include gambling disorder within 180 days of the passage of the Act.
Military personnel are 2-3 times more likely to experience a gambling problem. Yet, due to the stigmas associated with the disorder, less than ten percent seek help.
Why the GAP Act Matters
- As many as 56,000 active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces meet the criteria for gambling disorder.
- Veterans are 2-3x more likely to develop a gambling problem.
- Less than 10 percent of people with gambling problems seek help due to the shame and stigma associated with the disorder.
- The DOD currently has 3,141 slot machines on overseas military installations, generating roughly $100 million per year in revenue.
A Bipartisan Effort
“Far too many service men and women suffer from gambling addictions. This bill protects our troops by requiring the Defense Department to confront this growing problem head on.”
– Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.)
“It’s our duty as Americans to honor the sacrifices servicemembers and veterans make for our country. Senator Daines and I are reintroducing our bipartisan legislation to make sure veterans struggling with gambling addiction can get the treatment they need.”
– Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)
“Our country must do more to help treat, prevent, and reduce gambling addiction among our servicemembers and veterans.”
– Representative Susie Lee (D-Nev.)