Gambling Problems in UK Armed Forces Veterans: Preliminary Findings

Abstract: - International evidence shows elevated rates of problem gambling in former members of the Armed Forces (i.e., veterans). - To date, no research has investigated gambling problems in United Kingdom Armed Forces veterans. - We analysed an existing large dataset, the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. - Post-national service Armed Forces veterans were compared with matched controls on gambling problems, mental health, substance abuse, and financial management. - Armed Forces veterans were more than eight times more likely than nonveterans to exhibit problem gambling. - Male veterans were more likely than male non-veterans to have ever experienced a traumatic event. - The difference in problem gambling between veterans and non-veterans was not explained by prior differences in mental health, substance abuse, or financial management problems. - In conclusion, UK Armed Forces veterans are more likely than non-veterans to experience gambling problems and these problems are not explained by prior mental health, addiction or debt and money worries. - Given the preliminary nature of the findings, further research on the nature and extent of gambling problems in current and former members of the UK Armed Forces is needed.