Ethical Hacking News
The US Military's Slot Machine Empire: A Web of Risk and Reward
The US Department of Defense (DOD) operates a vast network of slot machines on military bases overseas, generating millions of dollars in revenue for morale, welfare, and recreation programs. A growing number of veterans struggle with gambling disorders, and the DOD's approach to MWR programs, including the Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP), has been criticized for its lack of transparency and effectiveness. The ARMP has generated significant revenue, but critics argue that more needs to be done to prevent problem gambling and promote responsible gaming practices. The DOD's policies on MWR programs have been ranked as the worst in the country by a review conducted by the Kindbridge Research Institute.
In a world where freedom and duty are often intertwined, one thing stands out as a stark contrast to these ideals: the military's lucrative slot machine empire. For years, the United States Department of Defense (DOD) has been operating a vast network of slot machines on military bases overseas, generating millions of dollars in revenue for morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) programs. The Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP), as it is known, operates 1,889 slot machines in 79 locations abroad, including Korea, Japan, and Germany. But behind the glitz and glamour of these casinos lies a complex web of risk and reward that raises questions about the ethics of military entertainment.
The story begins with Dave Yeager, a veteran who stumbled upon the ARMP's slot machine empire during his deployment in Seoul, South Korea. Yeager had never seen a slot machine on a military base before, but he was drawn to them like a moth to a flame. He soon found himself spiraling into an "devastating obsession" with playing the casino games, draining his savings and selling his possessions to feed his addiction. Yeager's experience is not unique, as researchers have found that veterans and service members are more likely to struggle with gambling disorders than civilians.
One of the most striking aspects of the ARMP is its ability to generate significant revenue. In the fiscal year 2024, the program brought in $70.9 million from its slot machine operations, with $53 million in net proceeds. This amount has been increasing over the years, with the program generating more than $47.7 million in revenue from October 2024 to May 2025. The ARMP's earnings go back into MWR programs on each base, which provide entertainment options such as golf courses, bowling alleys, and libraries.
However, not everyone is convinced that the ARMP's model is effective or responsible. Shane W. Kraus, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, notes that veterans and service members are more likely to struggle with gambling disorders than civilians. "Service members also tend to be more hesitant to seek help, out of fear of losing rank, security clearance, or being dishonorably discharged," he says.
Another concern is the lack of transparency surrounding the ARMP's operations. In 2017, Congress passed a provision under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that required screening for gambling disorders every year for service members. However, this requirement has not been consistently enforced, and some advocates argue that more needs to be done to prevent problem gambling.
In recent years, there have been calls for the DOD to reform its approach to MWR programs, including the ARMP. In 2022, a review of the DOD's responsible gambling policies compared with those of US states found that the DOD had the worst policies in the country. The Kindbridge Research Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on gambling-related issues faced by veterans and other groups, recommends that more money be put into research and treatment programs.
The ARMP has taken steps to increase transparency and responsible gaming practices. In 2020, the Army updated its regulations to provide information about problem gambling to both soldiers and civilians. The program also claims to track which kinds of gaming machines people play the most and how much revenue comes from each kind. However, critics argue that more needs to be done.
In the end, the military's slot machine empire is a complex issue with many competing interests. While it generates significant revenue for MWR programs on each base, it also raises concerns about problem gambling and the ethics of military entertainment. As the ARMP continues to operate, it will be important to continue monitoring its activities and ensuring that the needs of service members are prioritized.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Militarys-Slot-Machine-Empire-A-Web-of-Risk-and-Reward-ehn.shtml
https://www.wired.com/story/us-military-on-base-slot-machines-gambling-addiction/
Published: Mon Aug 4 05:47:52 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
