How big a problem are slot machines on post?

This is a great topic, and goes beyond just gambling with slots, it goes to the casinos for those CONUS side units (and some OCONUS) as well as those needing the adrenalin fix and become road gamblers, gambling with their lives to get that fix while driving. I used to think it was not a problem at all.....that was my perspective - coming from a career Soldier that has over well over 15 years OCONUS (between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea and Germany) - I have recently learned first hand that this can be the root of a very destructive habit (addiction) and this addiction does not care what your rank is!

A very close friend of mine (a extremely senior E-9) needed to be in front of one of these machines so bad that he chose the machine over his fiancé, and I knew where he would be if he was not in his office prior to a meeting - sometimes, I would show up to "remind him" others would be expecting him at the meeting...while he thanked me for pulling him away, he was not really "in the meeting" and would come off to others in the meeting as if he would rather be somewhere else and would treat those in the meeting with disdain....I spoke with him several (dozen) times before he finally went to seek help, but he did and he was given in-patient treatment (there were multiple things going on, to include some TBI).

When I was a 1SG, I had a supervisor (an O-6) that I held in very high regard, who's spouse fell victim to this addiction. I found out because some of my Soldiers would approach me telling me the Colonel's wife was borrowing money from them to feed the machines. I brought it up to the BN CSM and he said he would bring it to the BN CDR, the BN CDR did not want to engage the senior leader, so I asked to see him on the open door policy, I saw him on a range and brought this to his attention, he was completely unaware this was going on and very apologetic and visibly shocked. He spoke with me when I PCS'd and was thankful that I brought it to his attention - I did not hear of her back in the gaming areas any longer....

Finally, most recently, there was a very senior (time in service wise) NCO that always seemed to drive clunkers and seemed to dress in second hand clothes (not only him, but his entire family) - I was asking what his financial situation was and we couldn't get to the bottom of it until his Platoon Sergeant found out that he and his spouse would race to the game room on every payday and "spin to win" but really lose most of the check - it seemed they would get along only on the payday timeframe and would argue and have disputes the rest of the month...the unit got the NCO and his family help.

My point is that this is a problem which is much bigger than I thought, and can get a grip on anyone, it has the ability to cross all boundaries regardless of race, sex, or religion. It is part of knowing your Soldiers - and being able to talk with them - not at them - to be able to identify when there is a problem and influence them to get the help they need.

Thanks for bringing this topic up CH (MAJ) William Beaver!

From my past experience the problems are the same. Not everyone has a gambling addiction but those who do have one must be careful.

thought we solved this one during the 70s when we took slots out of the clubs, then I saw them slowly return....