Gambling, according to reports, has become a popular form of recreation for US soldiers and their families posted overseas. Slot machines at military bases are operated by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation service, funded in part by the proceeds from gambling. The gaming machines have long been considered as a permissible recreational pursuit and in 2001 a Congressional report – The Effect of the Ready Availability of Slot Machines on Members of the Armed Forces – stated that the gaming machines had no negative effect on the morale or financial stability of US forces, their family members or civilian employees.

An article in the independent news source for the US military community, Stars and Stripes, suggests that increasing on-post gambling activity is causing concern to army officials. MWR slot machine revenue at the Grafenwöhr garrison in Germany rose over 28% in 2008 and this is believed to be related to the stress suffered by returning deployed soldiers and the families of soldiers who have been deployed. Gambling that initially provides stress release can become addictive.

Excessive gambling is one of the symptoms being treated by the recently expanded on-post mental health department. Compulsive behaviour, along with sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, can be experienced by returning combat soldiers and the partners of those sent to combat zones. There are now seven psychologists and five or six psychiatrists at Grafenwöhr but gambling problems are said to remain a minor issue at present. The military slot machines are likely to keep functioning for the foreseeable future. (E-03.11.09)

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