Rep. Paul Tonko wants to see all slots and other forms of gambling removed from the military
Rep. Paul Tonko recently filed for an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), seeking to ban slot machines from US military bases.
While the Pentagon notes that slot machine revenue is used to support other recreational activities, the amendment’s supporters have concerns about their contribution to gambling addiction.
Tonko’s proposal is among the over 1,300 filed by lawmakers seeking a vote when the NDAA is brought to the House floor. Only a few hundred amendments are usually put up for a vote, a decision made by the House Rules Committee.
“I’ve been leading the charge in Congress to address the rise in problem gambling, and I’m hopeful my NDAA provision would lessen the risk of our service members developing a gambling addiction,” said Tonko to Military.com. “Our brave servicemen and women sacrifice everything to protect our nation and its freedoms. We must do all we can to support them by confronting problem gambling head on and ensuring this known addictive product is treated with the seriousness and precaution that we do with other addictions.”
According to a 2017 Government Accountability Office report, over 3,000 slot machines were available on foreign bases in 12 countries, mainly Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
A 2001 Pentagon report showed that slots bring about $100 million in annual revenue, and the funds are a “major component” to support other military base recreational activities, including youth centers and golf courses.
However, a 2021 study by Rutgers University revealed that active-duty military and veterans were more than twice as likely to suffer gambling-related issues than civilians.
Tonko previously proposed a bill to ban sports betting advertising and is planning to introduce legislation to place tighter regulations on online sports betting providers.
