Contact: Brianne Tolson: Brianne@masscompulsivegambling.org, 617-426-4554
MCCG Statement on Senator Warren Bill To Address Problem Gambling in Military
BOSTON – Yesterday, Senator Elizabeth Warren filed a bill – The Preventing and Treating Gambling Disorder in the Military Act of 2017 – that would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to screen service members for gambling disorder in both the Annual Periodic Health Assessment and the Health Related Behavior Surveys.
The bill would implement recommendations made by a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the product of a study initially proposed by Senator Warren in 2015. The study found that despite having over 3,000 slot machines on military installations across the world, DOD does not systematically screen military personnel for gambling disorder.
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling Executive Director issued the following statement commending Senator Warren and urging Congress to support our military by passing this common-sense bill.
“We applaud Senator Warren for her commitment to preventing and treating gambling problems and addiction in our military. We know that active service members and veterans are at a higher risk for gambling disorder, and are often are reluctant to seek help. By screening service members – as we do for other addictive behaviors like alcohol and drug abuse – we can prevent problem gambling before it happens and better treat those who are already suffering. We urge Congress to support our military by passing this common-sense bill, and also urge any veterans think they may have an issue with gambling to contact our organization – we are here to help.”
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