An evolving threat: Problem gambling and sports wagering in the United States military

This study examined the stability and interplay of gambling depth, breadth, and problems in the United States (US) public, with a particular attention to military-affiliated individuals (i.e., veterans, active duty service members, reservists).

Longitudinal survey study using YouGov Opinion Polling's sample-matching methodology. A sample of 4,363 participants were collected as part of a large sport wagering project. Participants completed measuring assessing problem gambling symptoms, sports wagering status, gambling breadth and depth, and questions assessing military status and demographics. Analyses of Variance (ANOVAs) were conducted for group comparisons, and longitudinal models were specified using Random Intercept Cross Lagged Panel modeling.

Results indicated that these domains were largely stable over time, with low within-person variability and effects driven primarily by between-person differences. US veterans and active duty reported greater gambling breadth and problems, with active duty and reserve service members showing elevated risk across all domains. Sports wagers exhibited higher involvement and greater problems, while younger age was associated with more problems and breadth, and male gender with greater breadth and depth. Residual covariances suggested that changes in breadth, depth, and problems tended to co-occur. Within individuals, greater gambling frequency often preceded narrower breadth, indicating increased focus on specific activities.

Study limitations include reliance on self-report, long assessment intervals, and use of frequency rather than spending as the measure of depth. Findings highlight the need for targeted public health initiatives for problem gambling symptoms among US military personnel.