How big a problem are slot machines on post?

2015-07-06T12:40:55-04:00

The Senate has ordered a Government Accountability Office—the investigative arm of Congress—to review gambling on military installations and gambling-related problems in the ranks. There are about 3,000 slot machines on U.S. military installations overseas, generating about $100 million a year for morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Senate wants to know more about the money raised, and more about the prevalence of gambling and treatment problems gambling causes among service members.

What to Watch: This will not be the first study of slot machines and bingo games on overseas military bases, so it is unclear whether the report due in one year would end gambling. It will include comparisons of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse to the treatment of problem gambling in new treatment methods.

In your opinion, how big a problem is gambling and slot machines on military posts? What about bingo halls?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 6 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-07-06T12:44:29-04:00

From my past experience the problems are the same. Not everyone has a gambling addiction but those who do have one must be careful.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Jul 6 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-07-06T13:32:32-04:00

How serious is the slot machine problem on military posts?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 6 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-07-06T13:40:21-04:00

This is a great topic, and goes beyond just gambling with slots, it goes to the casinos for those CONUS side units (and some OCONUS) as well as those needing the adrenalin fix and become road gamblers, gambling with their lives to get that fix while driving. I used to think it was not a problem at all.....that was my perspective - coming from a career Soldier that has over well over 15 years OCONUS (between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea and Germany) - I have recently learned first hand that this can be the root of a very destructive habit (addiction) and this addiction does not care what your rank is!

A very close friend of mine (a extremely senior E-9) needed to be in front of one of these machines so bad that he chose the machine over his fiancé, and I knew where he would be if he was not in his office prior to a meeting - sometimes, I would show up to "remind him" others would be expecting him at the meeting...while he thanked me for pulling him away, he was not really "in the meeting" and would come off to others in the meeting as if he would rather be somewhere else and would treat those in the meeting with disdain....I spoke with him several (dozen) times before he finally went to seek help, but he did and he was given in-patient treatment (there were multiple things going on, to include some TBI).

When I was a 1SG, I had a supervisor (an O-6) that I held in very high regard, who's spouse fell victim to this addiction. I found out because some of my Soldiers would approach me telling me the Colonel's wife was borrowing money from them to feed the machines. I brought it up to the BN CSM and he said he would bring it to the BN CDR, the BN CDR did not want to engage the senior leader, so I asked to see him on the open door policy, I saw him on a range and brought this to his attention, he was completely unaware this was going on and very apologetic and visibly shocked. He spoke with me when I PCS'd and was thankful that I brought it to his attention - I did not hear of her back in the gaming areas any longer....

Finally, most recently, there was a very senior (time in service wise) NCO that always seemed to drive clunkers and seemed to dress in second hand clothes (not only him, but his entire family) - I was asking what his financial situation was and we couldn't get to the bottom of it until his Platoon Sergeant found out that he and his spouse would race to the game room on every payday and "spin to win" but really lose most of the check - it seemed they would get along only on the payday timeframe and would argue and have disputes the rest of the month...the unit got the NCO and his family help.

My point is that this is a problem which is much bigger than I thought, and can get a grip on anyone, it has the ability to cross all boundaries regardless of race, sex, or religion. It is part of knowing your Soldiers - and being able to talk with them - not at them - to be able to identify when there is a problem and influence them to get the help they need.

Thanks for bringing this topic up CH (MAJ) William Beaver!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 6 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-07-06T13:54:32-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver, I've never been much of a gambler and I've just always thought that gambling and slot machines are just asking for trouble. I like CSM Michael J. Uhlig's thoughts on the subject.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Jul 6 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-07-06T15:20:58-04:00

Thank you! I know in civilian life I would see three people always huddled over the convenient store machines for hours blowing entire checks, hoping for that big payoff that never came. Truly sad.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-07-06T15:54:53-04:00

thought we solved this one during the 70s when we took slots out of the clubs, then I saw them slowly return....

Response by SSgt Clare May made May 2 at 2017 11:36 AM

2017-05-02T11:36:34-04:00

Let me put it this way... In New Mexico there are several military installations, Kirtland, Cannon, Holloman just off the top of my head... As a State Gaming Investigator, why is it that ya'll do not permit me, to observe or inspect your gaming industry? The nearest Federal investigator covers a 5 State area whereas I at some times covered the lower half of the State of NM... Is it the 100 million a year in revenue and the possibility of getting a minor administrative citation that costs only up to $50k and that takes away some of the profit In my profession, special agents last about 1-3 years and they look fro greener pastures... for ones like me, if not for medical issues, I would still be there. Is there some kind of issue that the military slot machines are somewhat better than State run and monitored gaming devices? I Dont Think So... they come from the same manufacture... they come from the same industry standards... What is your minimum rake? 20%... if so playing them is going to make ya'll significantly rich and it appears it already has... Do you set aside a certain percentage for compulsive gambling training education and addiction? Do you have a hot line? DO you post your odds of winning on the device? Are the instructions for game play apparent? Remember this, in my State there are up to 7 field agents covering one State...I Know from personal expierence that there is one...ONE investigator for the 5, yes FIVE, State area where I am at... ONE. How can that sole investigator cover the entire gaming industry on the federal level and do any enforcement action...? Are you self regulating yourself using internal minimum internal controls? Meaning you are using slot techs as investigators? That is equal to the coyote watching the hen house... just sayin' and just my thoughts... Ya'll got some serious issues if your letting the gaming industry be the investigators of their errors and mistakes... third party independent investigations by third party trained agents...

Response by SSgt Clare May made May 2 at 2017 12:01 PM

2017-05-02T12:01:21-04:00

Bingo halls on the civilian world in my State are being shut out due to over-regulation.IMHO... but the small mom and pop run American Legions and DAV's have been pocketing the proceeds and the posts they represent are getting nothing but a game of chance. As an investigator for more than 8 years, following the money trail is vital to ensure the proceeds generated go back into the venue and its charity. Otherwise, the money is gone in 60 seconds... Gambling is additive. It has issues. But it must be regulated to keep corruptive practices out of the industry. $100 million is a huge chunk of the military payroll... where does it end up? I believe a well regulated industry, with appropriate compulsive gambling education, training and addiction should be applied to all military installations and all military employees be instructed about its addiction, a 5 minuet intro at the beginning of guard mount, or at the start of a business day. once every two years depending on the installation and if there are gaming devices on site. If none are there,then don't worry about it.just sayin'...

Response by Carter Turner made May 24 at 2023 12:13 PM

2023-05-24T12:13:15-04:00

I don't think so. It's not a problem, it's just a way to earn some extra money:))

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 5 at 2024 11:13 AM

2024-04-05T11:13:18-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver Only Places I've seen a Slot Machine on Base was RAF West Ruislip and Yokosuka.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Apr 5 at 2024 11:33 AM

2024-04-05T11:33:32-04:00

Missed this one when it was started.

Slot machines?
Remember Sergeant Major of the Army Wooldridge?

Response by CW5 Roger Jacobs made Apr 12 at 2024 1:14 AM

2024-04-12T01:14:40-04:00

This post is 9 years old. Did the Senate ever make a decision? As a Chaplain MAJ Beaver you should realize that one can't legislate morality. Does the military ban gambling because some folks have a problem? Do we close down the class six because some folks are alcoholics? Do we stop tobacco sales because smoking is bad for health? All those "solutions" would just cause military folks to buy stuff off post. Addiction is a problem, but band aid solutions won't fix it.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Jun 4 at 2024 5:36 PM

2024-06-04T17:36:01-04:00

When I was stationed in Germany(early90s) the rod and gun club had slot machines that we normally occupied by what seemed to be the Korean wives of soldiers. They all worked in the chow hall, which was on the second floor above the rod and gun club.
It seemed they earned their money at the chow hall and spent it in the slots.