Rep. Susie Lee Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Treat and Prevent Gambling Addiction Among Military Servicemembers

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Susie Lee introduced the Gambling Addiction Prevention (GAP) Act of 2019 to address and treat gambling addiction among U.S. military servicemembers. This bill would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to create and implement programs to treat problem gambling, particularly on military bases. There are currently an estimated 56,000 servicemembers who may meet the criteria for gambling addiction disorder, and as of now, the DOD does not have the resources or infrastructure to help our men and women in uniform and address this problem. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) released companion legislation in the Senate.

"Our country must do more to help treat, prevent, and reduce gambling addiction among our servicemembers and veterans," said Rep. Susie Lee. "Around 56,000 servicemembers suffer from gambling disorders, and it's our duty to get them the help they need. That's exactly why I introduced the GAP Act to ensure that our men and women in uniform have the resources they deserve to treat and prevent gambling addiction on military bases.

"It's our duty as Americans to honor the sacrifices servicemembers and veterans make for our country," said Senator Warren. "Senator Daines and I are reintroducing our bipartisan legislation to make sure veterans struggling with gambling addiction can get the treatment they need."

"Far too many service men and women suffer from gambling addictions," said Senator Daines. "This bill protects our troops by requiring the Defense Department to confront this growing problem head on.

The bill text can be viewed here

Gambling addiction affects an estimated 56,000 servicemembers, with incidents and disorders increasing in recent years. There are over 3,000 slot machines on military bases and installations across the world, but the DOD does not currently have a sufficient screening process in place to determine if a servicemember has a gambling disorder. Servicemembers already suffer from a higher rate of suicide and mental health disorders, and gambling addiction can exacerbate such disorders, leaving servicemembers financial standing and health at greater risk. The Gambling Addiction Prevention Act would implement programs to prevent and treat problem gambling, including a screening process to determine if servicemembers have a gambling disorder and materials to educate military personnel about problem gambling.

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