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- The fiscal 2026 defense appropriations bill directs Pentagon research funding to study gambling disorders among service members for the first time.
- This marks a notable shift toward treating problem gambling as a defense health issue with national relevance for veterans, active-duty personnel, and the broader US betting community.
The FY2026 appropriations package added gambling disorder research to the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMP), making this the first time federal defense research money is explicitly available to study gambling problems among military populations.
The bill authorizes funding across more than 240 topics within PRMP, part of a $370 million research investment covering infectious disease, cardiovascular issues, rare diseases, and now behavioral health areas like responsible gambling.
A recent DoD survey found about 1.6% of active-duty members and 1.7% of reservists screened positive for gambling problems, signaling a gap in targeted research and treatment. Advocacy from the National Council on Problem Gambling, working with industry partners such as BetMGM and MGM Resorts, helped push the issue onto the Pentagon’s research agenda.
The move follows ongoing concern about gambling access on overseas bases and limited VA treatment capacity.
Gambling researchers can now apply for government grants
The inclusion of military gambling research has several practical implications.
Players who are veterans or active-duty personnel may see improved screening, outreach and treatment options as studies identify risk factors and effective interventions; that could reduce stigma and increase access to care through VA and DoD channels.
Operators should watch for research findings that could prompt tighter responsible gambling requirements, expanded self-exclusion tools, or targeted education campaigns for military populations – especially where online sports betting and online casinos are prevalent.
Industry involvement in advocacy shows some operators already view research as part of responsible gambling strategy, but new evidence could increase regulatory scrutiny or lead to voluntary policy changes. Financially, better treatment and prevention can reduce societal costs tied to homelessness and mental health crises among veterans, while operators may face reputational and compliance pressures to act on research outcomes.
Researchers will now be able to apply for PRMP grants focused on gambling’s effects in the military, including studies on online betting, sports wagering risk, and treatment models.
Based on reporting by DEFCROS News.
