Military Casinos Rake in Millions, While Soldiers Struggle with Gambling Addiction

2025-08-04
Military Casinos Rake in Millions, While Soldiers Struggle with Gambling Addiction

In the aftermath of 9/11, US Army officer Dave Yeager found solace in the slot machines at his Seoul base, spiraling into a devastating gambling addiction. This highlights a concerning trend: veterans and service members are more prone to gambling disorders than civilians, often hesitant to seek help due to fear of repercussions. The Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) generates tens of millions of dollars annually from its overseas slot machine operations, yet critics argue insufficient funds are allocated to problem gambling education, creating a stark contrast between the program's profitability and the suffering of those it potentially harms.