U.S. Congress May Consider Slot Machine Ban on Military Bases

A proposal to ban slot machines on military bases could soon be reviewed by Congress. This amendment, authored by Representative Paul Tonko, was added to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Slot machines have been prohibited on U.S. military bases for over 70 years. The initial ban came in 1951, with the Army and Air Force removing slots from overseas bases in the 1970s. However, about 10 years later, slots were reintroduced on bases outside the U.S. to prevent service members from seeking trouble off base.

Over the past seven years, the slot machine market on military bases has grown significantly. According to the Government Accountability Office, the U.S. military now operates over 3,000 slot machines in 12 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Germany.

Tonko explained his reasons for the proposed ban in a statement to Military.com. He said, “I’ve been leading the charge in Congress to address the rise in problem gambling and I’m hopeful my NDAA provision would lessen the risk of our service members developing a gambling addiction. Our brave servicemen and women sacrifice everything to protect our nation and its freedoms. We must do all we can to support them by confronting problem gambling head on and ensuring this known addictive product is treated with the seriousness and precaution that we do with other addictions.”

However, the Pentagon has noted that revenue from slot machines helps fund other recreational activities on military bases.