Military and veteran gambling help in Florida
Overview of military and veteran vulnerabilities to problem gambling.
The unseen struggles behind military strength.
Florida ranks third in the nation with respect to having a United States Armed Forces veteran population, behind only California and Texas. The Florida Department of Veteran Affairs (FDVA) reports that the state is home to nearly 1.4 million veterans. Meanwhile, with 20 major military installations, Florida also has the fifth-largest active duty personnel population (est. 82,000).
This significant military presence is a key industry for the state, contributing substantially to its economy, regulated gambling revenue included. The latter is problematic when considering the statistics laid out below.
Florida’s active + retired military | An at-risk population
Research confirms that active and retired members of the military have higher prevalence rates of problematic gambling behavior when compared to the civilian population. Considering Florida’s disproportionately high active duty and veteran population, implications can be drawn as to why the state has a 100% (approximate) greater percentage of problem gamblers than reported in U.S. national surveys.
Rate of problem gambling among military is 3.5 times higher than among civilians.
Rate of problem gambling among military is 68.6% compared with 18.7% among civilians.
Adding a layer of complexity is the data surrounding mental health issues that co-occur with problem gambling, which are also disproportionately high in active duty / veteran populations.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most publicly recognized, with a significant portion of veterans seeking treatment for problem gambling having a history of the mental health condition. The FDVA reports that up to 18% veterans are likely to have PTSD.
Below is a summary of research findings for other military-specific mental health concerns that co-occur with problem gambling:
Major depression and suicidality (55%) are the most prevalent co-occurring conditions in the military population.
Inattention / hyperactivity / impulsivity is observed in 45% of veterans with problem gambling.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is observed in 42% of the veteran population with problem gambling.
Social phobia and irritability index is observed in 35% of veterans with problem gambling.
Suicide warning is observed in 24% of the military population with problem gambling.
Alcohol and tobacco abuse / use is observed in 20% of the veteran population with problem gambling.
Manic episodes are demonstrated in 20% of veterans with problem gambling.
Panic (14%) and learning disabilities (10%) are evident in veterans with problem gambling.
Summary of military mental health issues that co-occur with problem gambling
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Suicidality
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Impulsivity
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Depression
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Anger and irritability
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Social phobia
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Substance abuse
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Manic episodes
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Panic disorder
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Insomnia
Problem gambling help for military members in Florida
Are you a veteran or active member of the U.S. Armed Forces residing or stationed in Florida? Do you struggle with problem gambling? Call the Playwise helpline number below to connect to accessible, confidential, and effective support.
