Congressman wants to ban gambling machines on overseas bases

Although people with gambling addictions have long been able to get help from base family counseling centers and chaplains, the only overseas medical program for “pathological” gamblers is at the U.S. Naval Hospital on Okinawa. | Read story

Overseas program helps gamblers with addiction

Although people with gambling addictions have long been able to get help from base family counseling centers and chaplains, the only overseas medical program for “pathological” gamblers is at the U.S. Naval Hospital on Okinawa.

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The path to gambling obsession

For “Tony,” a former soldier turned Defense Department civilian working in Germany, an addiction to alcohol and gambling went hand in hand. So has the recovery. The lies that went along with his gambling addiction caught up to him pretty fast, he said.

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What would be banned?

Your thoughts

Oh, come on. Of course you’re going to get one desperate story after another teary lament about how gambling destroyed someone’s finances, marriage, family and life.

At no point will you hear these same individuals take responsibility for how they chose to spend their money and their time. … Instead of asking them for their sad tales of woe, how about asking, ‘What the hell is wrong with you?’

Marine spouse, California

Your thoughts

I was a DOD civilian and was stationed in Germany for 5 years. I have had friends who were addicted to slot machines, because MWR makes it so convenient for them to play. I have also lost a few thousand dollars playing slot machines.

The Army needs to stop MWR from ripping off the servicemen and women and their dependents overseas. They need to focus on fighting and winning wars, not gambling.

Army contractor, Pennsylvania