NATIONAL GUARD March 2024

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHALLENGE

Gambling is more readily available 

than ever. It is legal in the 54 States, 

Territories, and District of Columbia 

(except Hawaii and Utah) and 

accessible via phone or tablet. For 

some, it is a fun form of entertainment, 

for others it is an unhealthy means 

of escape. If you decide to gamble, 

consider these tips:2

• Make a plan. Put limits on time and

money.

• Set a timer to track playing time.

• Partner with a battle buddy or

wingman to help you stick to the plan.

• Know how the game works and

understand the odds. Over time

the house always wins.

• Never chase your losses.

• Treat gambling as entertainment

and not a means to make money or

escape reality.

• Never borrow money to gamble.

• Know and respect your tolerance

for risk.

• Take a break when it is no longer fun.

• Balance gambling with other fun

activities.

Problem gambling is a progressive 

condition that can lead to addiction. 

Like alcohol and drug addiction, 

gambling disorder is a recognized 

mental health condition that alters 

the brain’s chemistry.3 It differs, in 

that people with gambling disorder 

may appear to live normal lives. There 

are no obvious outward signs, like 

slurred speech or impaired walking. 

For this reason, gambling disorder 

is referred to as a hidden addiction. 

The problem can often go undetected 

until a harmful consequence, like 

divorce or bankruptcy, reveals the 

underlying truth. The best way to 

prevent a negative outcome is to seek 

support early. Take the 10-question 

Gambling Assessment, to learn more: 

https://www.ncpgambling.org/helptreatment/problem-gambling-selfassessment/

BE RESPONSIBLE

SEEK SUPPORT

WAGERING

ON

WELL-BEING

CONTACT US

For more information on problem gambling or other wellness topics, email us at: 

ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.integrated-prevention-branch@army.mil

CHALLENGE your Service members and yourself to adopt at least 

one of the recommended resources to maintain overall well-being 

by avoiding or providing help for problem gambling.

FACTS & FIGURES: DID YOU KNOW?

• Anyone who gambles can develop a gambling problem.

• Factors such as age, gender, environment, and medical history may put some

people at higher risk.

• A study of current and former National Guard members from a midwest State found that problem gambling was associated with negative

psychological and behavioral outcomes, like depression.1

Physical Health 

Problems

Relationship Troubles

Suicidal Behaviors

Financial 

Difficulties

Career 

Complications

Alcohol & 

Substance Misuse

PROBLEM GAMBLING COMPROMISES READINESS

Problem gambling is an urge to bet despite harmful consequences that impact 

well-being and impede mission readiness. Potential consequences include:

Mental Health 

Challenges Legal Issues
The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

REFERENCES:

1. Prevalence and covariates of problematic gambling among a U.S. military cohort. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.

addbeh.2019.03.013

2. Operation Responsible Gambling. https://operationresponsiblegambling.org

3. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th Edition. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND

National Council on Problem Gambling is a one-stop shop for information and support. www.ncpgambling.org

• Gambling Assessment – 10 questions to help identify problem gambling.

• National Problem Gambling Helpline – call, text, chat, or find local resources.

• Operation Responsible Gambling – support for Service members and veterans.

• Problem Gambling Awareness Month – promotional materials.

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who meet to share their experience with each other and recover from a 

gambling problem. www.gamblersanonymous.org

GAM-ANON offers support and comfort to family members and friends who are impacted by a loved one’s gambling 

problem. www.gam-anon.org

National Guard’s Military Family Readiness staff are available to connect Service members with Personal Financial 

Counselors and other family support resources. ng.ncr.ngb-arng.list.j1-m-division@army.mil

Military OneSource provides free, confidential support via phone, online chat, or video. Service members can get help with 

financial difficulties, legal issues, relationship problems, and more. http://www.militaryonesource.mil

What does it mean?

• Problem gambling is an uncontrolled urge to wager on an outcome despite the

negative toll it takes on life. There are many types of gambling, like casinos, racetracks,

sports betting, lotteries, etc.

Why does it matter?

• For Service members, problem gambling impacts well-being and reduces readiness by

minimizing peak performance and jeopardizing security clearances. 

What can you do? 

• Follow the tips for gambling responsibly, regardless of how often you wager or how

much you bet.

• Take the Gambling Assessment to identify harmful behaviors early before they 

become life-altering problems.

• Reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline or Gamblers Anonymous and

talk to people who understand what you are going though.

• Recommend GAM-ANON to friends and family members seeking support.

• Connect with Military Family Readiness staff or Military OneSource for help in dealing

with the harmful consequences of problem gambling.

• Protect yourself and others by safely storing firearms in the home to make access to

lethal means more difficult in the event of a crisis.

UNDERSTAND & PREVENT PROBLEM GAMBLING NATIONAL PROBLEM 

GAMBLING HELPLINE

Call: 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537)

Text: 800-GAM

Chat: 1800GAMBLERchat.org

Harmful behaviors, like problem 

gambling and drug use, have 

shared risk factors. Prevention 

efforts in one area can help 

mitigate multiple forms of harm. 

The National Guard is seeking 

nominations for the Red Ribbon 

Awards to acknowledge successful 

Drug Demand Reduction Programs. 

Nominations are due MAY 31. 

ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.resiliencybranch@army.mil

RED RIBBON AWARDS

SPOTLIGHT: PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENSS MONTH

• March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which focuses on prevention, treatment, and recovery.

• The 2024 theme, “Every Story Matters” seeks to break down stigmas related to problem gambling.

• Learn more or access the promotional toolkit at: https://www.ncpgambling.org/problem-gambling/pgam