Reports in the British media have revealed that MPs are questioning the leadership of the British military after the discovery that despite problem gambling being a serious issue in the army, gambling machines have been left in place in many bases.
The MPs have asked for assurances that the military is not turning a blind eye to those suffering from the harms of gambling in order to profit from the placement of the machines.
A study carried out by the BMJ British Military Health journal earlier this year revealed that veterans in the United Kingdom are 11 times more likely to become problem gamblers that the general public.
Following the released of the study, MPs have questioned why gambling machines are in place at British Army bases given that according to the Queen’s Regulations, all forms of gambling are banned on both bases and ships belonging to the British Military regardless of where they are located.
However, it has since been revealed that according to an exemption to the rules, the commanding officer can allow ‘a lottery or sweepstake or other gambling’. Despite this exemption, there have been numerous calls from veterans and active duty members of the military to have these machines removed from bases.
A minister told the House Of Lords earlier this month that the machines were being removed from bases but then retracted the statement last Friday. The Ministry of Defence has also refused to reveal to MPs just how many gambling machines are installed throughout army bases leading some to question whether or not the military is profiting from soldiers’ losses.
Speaking of the issue Tory MP Richard Holden, a member of the public accounts committee, said:
‘It beggars belief that, given all the evidence of the incredible harm caused, the Army is still refusing to ban these machines from military bases. The MoD must assure MPs it is not making money from our brave soldiers who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.’
Labour chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling harm, Carolyn Harris MP added:
‘I fear there is a secret epidemic of gambling addiction in our Forces. It is disgraceful that the Army may be profiting from betting machines placed in the middle of social areas. This should have been dealt with years ago.’
According to reports, veterans first demanded that the machines be removed back in 2016.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.