DoD Receives Funding for Research on Gambling Addiction in the Military

Summary

The Defence Appropriations Act has directed funding to the US Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), allocating US$370 million to the programme, with gambling addiction listed as an approved research area within the $180 million set aside for non-defence initiatives.

Congress approved the bill after a narrow House vote (217–214). Advocates including the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) welcomed the move as the first time federal research money will explicitly support studies into gambling addiction, particularly among active-duty service members and veterans. The change reflects growing concern as the US gaming industry expands and the Government Accountability Office and other groups have urged stronger protections for service personnel.

The push for funding involved sustained advocacy — the provision was added to the DoD bill last August — and follows calls from bodies such as the GAO. Recent data cited in reporting noted 185 active-duty service members received a gambling-related diagnosis in fiscal year 2024. Private and non-profit initiatives, such as programmes from the Kindbridge Research Institute, are already working to tackle gambling-related harm in military communities.

Key Points

The Defence Appropriations Act channels US$370m to the DoD’s PRMRP; gambling addiction is included among approved research topics.
The bill passed the House by a 217–214 vote after earlier Senate approval.
This marks the first explicit federal research funding stream for gambling addiction, shifting the issue toward a public-health approach.
Advocacy by the NCPG and others was instrumental; the provision was inserted into the DoD bill in August 2025.
The GAO recommended stronger DoD efforts to protect service members; 185 active-duty personnel had a gambling-related diagnosis in FY2024.
Non-profit and private programmes, such as Kindbridge, are already piloting initiatives to reduce gambling harm in military communities.

Why should I read this?

Quick and blunt: this is a notable shift. For the first time the feds are putting research dollars behind gambling harm in the military — that can change policy, treatment funding and how the armed forces spot and help people at risk. If you care about veteran welfare, public-health policy or gambling regulation, it’s worth a closer look — we skimmed the detail so you don’t have to.