When Dave Yeager first encountered the bright lights and sounds of slot machines during his deployment in Seoul, South Korea, he felt an immediate temptation. It was September 2001, shortly after the 9/11 attacks, and he was grappling with feelings of loss, missing his wife and young children. With no prior exposure to gambling in the military, he decided to try his luck, thinking it could provide a much-needed distraction. Initially, the experience offered relief; he remembers the tension in his shoulders easing as he played and even found success on his initial spins.
However, this fleeting joy quickly spiraled into a devastating obsession. Over the next few months, the allure of the military-run slot machines led him to drain his savings, sell personal belongings, and commit theft within his unit—all while hiding his struggles from others. Yeager believed that no one could help him, and he refrained from seeking assistance.
Research indicates that military personnel, including veterans like Yeager, are at a higher risk of developing gambling disorders compared to civilians. Experts suggest this increased risk may stem from the unique stressors of military life and a reluctance among service members to seek help for fear of potential repercussions, such as losing ranks or security clearances.
Despite the alarming trends, site revenue from military slot machines continues to rise. The Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP), which oversees these operations, reported revenues of $70.9 million in 2024, with $53 million in net proceeds, showing a steady increase from previous years. The revenue generated from these machines is purportedly used to fund morale and recreational activities for service members on overseas bases.
However, advocates argue that not enough of this revenue is being directed towards education and prevention initiatives for problem gambling. The ARMP operates nearly 1,900 slot machines in various countries, and while local civilians and contractors may also contribute to revenues, a significant portion comes from vulnerable military personnel.
Despite legislative efforts aimed at regulating gambling on military bases, Congress has largely maintained the status quo, allowing slot machines abroad while banning them domestically. A 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office highlighted the potential dangers of gambling within military families but failed to institute significant change.
Instead of advocating for the removal of slot machines, Yeager now calls for a shift in the approach of the ARMP. He suggests that a percentage of revenues should be allocated for education, screening, and treatment programs for those struggling with gambling addiction. He believes such initiatives could significantly improve the readiness and mental health of service members.
For years, Yeager felt unsupported by the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs after succumbing to his gambling addiction. It wasn’t until 2007 that he found the help he needed through a VA gambling treatment program in Ohio, which became pivotal in his recovery. Now, as an advocate for change, he emphasizes the importance of awareness and education surrounding gambling disorders, urging military leadership to recognize the gravity of the issue and to offer better support for those in need.
For those facing similar struggles, the National Problem Gambling Helpline can be reached at 1-800-GAMBLER.
