A recent survey conducted by researchers from King’s College London has revealed some troubling statistics about gambling habits among members of the UK military. The study, which surveyed over 10,000 personnel across all branches of the armed forces, found that junior rank, male sex, and younger age were strongly linked to a higher likelihood of engaging in what is known as “harmful gambling.”
According to the survey results, nearly 8% of military personnel reported experiencing some form of harmful gambling behavior. This included things like spending more money on gambling than they could afford, borrowing money to gamble, or experiencing negative consequences as a result of their gambling habits. The study also found that the prevalence of harmful gambling was significantly higher among junior ranks, with 13% of lower-ranking personnel reporting issues compared to just 4% of higher-ranking officers.
The survey also highlighted the role of gender in gambling habits, with male personnel being much more likely to engage in harmful gambling behavior than their female counterparts. In fact, the study found that male service members were four times more likely to report problematic gambling than female service members.
Age was another significant factor in the survey’s findings, with younger personnel being more likely to engage in harmful gambling behavior. The study found that those under the age of 25 were at the highest risk, with over 10% of this age group reporting issues compared to just 5% of those over the age of 45.
Dr. Sarah Dickson, the lead researcher on the study, called the findings “concerning” and emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address the issue of harmful gambling within the military community. She noted that the unique characteristics of military life, such as deployment and the high-pressure nature of the job, may contribute to gambling behaviors among service members.
The Ministry of Defence has responded to the survey results by emphasizing their commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of military personnel. A spokesperson for the ministry stated that they are working closely with organizations such as GambleAware to provide resources and support for service members who may be struggling with gambling issues.
Overall, the survey’s findings paint a troubling picture of the prevalence of harmful gambling among UK military personnel. As more research is conducted on the issue, it is clear that targeted interventions and support services will be crucial in addressing this growing problem within the armed forces.