Why Gambling Harm Hits Veterans and Military Families Harder — And How To Get Help

Veterans are up to ten times more likely to experience gambling problems — yet most don’t spot the signs until they’re already in danger. Here’s what every veteran, spouse and mate needs to know.

It creeps in quietly, often masked by stress, boredom, or the shock of leaving military structure behind.

But here’s the important bit: you’re not alone, it’s not your fault, and help works.

As Gambling Awareness Week 2025 shines a light on gambling-related harm, Troopr sat down with Feona Veys, Armed Forces Manager at Betknowmore UK, to explore why veterans are particularly vulnerable, how to recognise the signs, and what support is available to rebuild control and hope.

“Reaching out isn’t weakness — it’s courage. You won’t be telling us anything we haven’t heard before, and we’re here to help.” 

Why Veterans Are More Likely To Develop Gambling Problems

Gambling harm can affect anyone, but veterans are statistically at much higher risk than the general population.

For many veterans, life after service brings new opportunities, but also new challenges. The structure, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that define military life can be difficult to replace. For some, that gap can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and one of the most hidden and stigmatised is gambling dependency.

“Research from Swansea University shows that veterans are ten times more likely to experience gambling harms and four times more likely to have gambled on multiple activities than civilians,” Feona explains. “There are many reasons for this, from difficulties adjusting to civilian life, to losing that sense of belonging and purpose. When you’re no longer part of the military community, it can lead to risk-taking behaviours such as gambling or alcohol misuse.”

Why veterans are more vulnerable

1. Loss of structure and belonging after service
2. Easy access to online gambling while isolated
3. Guaranteed income and loans increasing temptation
4. Deployment downtime and boredom
5. Mental health struggles such as PTSD or depression

In many ways, gambling has long been woven into military culture. “Gambling is seen as normal in the Forces,” Feona continues. “What starts as a social activity during service can become more serious after transition. The military mindset around risk is very different to civilians, it’s part of the job. Add easy access to online gambling, boredom, or loneliness, and the risk grows.”

The Hidden Triggers: Isolation, Trauma and Control

Isolation, trauma, and Mental Health conditions such as PTSD or depression can intensify gambling dependency.

“There’s a clear link between isolation and gambling,” says Feona. “For many veterans, gambling can feel like joining a community again, especially when they feel they’ve lost theirs. Because gambling harm has only recently been recognised as a public health issue, we’re just beginning to see more specialised research studies into neurodiversity and gambling and also PTSD and gambling.”

The signs of gambling dependency are often hidden, sometimes masked by other challenges. “Gambling often starts in service, but serving personnel rarely ask for help,” Feona explains. “They fear punishment, stigma, or even their spouse finding out.”

How to Spot Early Signs of Gambling Harm

Spotting gambling harm early is key. If you spot two or more of these, it’s worth getting support.

• Hiding or lying about gambling
• Chasing losses or borrowing money
• Mood swings or irritability after gambling
• Financial strain or secrecy around spending
• Using gambling to escape emotion or boredom

If these signs feel familiar, you can find veteran-specific gambling support. 

If you’re not sure whether your gambling is becoming a problem, Pete’s story may help. He’s a veteran who thought he was “just a casual gambler” — until things spiralled. His journey from harm to recovery might give you the clarity (and courage) to take the next step.

→ Read Pete’s Story: How one veteran turned gambling harm into hope

Where Veterans Can Find Gambling Support in the UK

The good news is that recovery from gambling dependency is absolutely possible — and there are several trusted services across the UK offering free and confidential support.

Best for Veteran-Specific Support:

The Armed Forces Gambling Support Network (AFGSN) brings together specialist organisations that understand the military community and the unique pressures that can lead to gambling harm.

What you can expect

• One-to-one counselling and rehabilitation
• Peer-to-peer veteran mentoring
• Family support programmes for “affected others”
• Training and awareness sessions for organisations

The AFSGSN charities work together across the UK to support veterans affected by gambling harm.

The network includes:

• Betknowmore UK – Peer-led support, veteran mentors, counselling and family programmes.
• Beacon Counselling Trust – Lead organisation for AFGSN, delivering specialist treatment and harm-prevention support.
• Ara Recovery For All (ARA) – Provides structured treatment, counselling and community recovery programmes.
• Breakeven – Offers free one-to-one counselling and gambling recovery services across multiple regions.
• RCA Trust – Supports individuals and families experiencing gambling-related harm, with services across Scotland.

Best for Immediate, Confidential Help (24/7)

Alongside AFGSN, there are nationwide services available to veterans and families:

• National Gambling Helpline – 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
  Immediate, confidential help via phone or live chat, operated by GamCare.
• GamCare
  Helpline support, online chat, practical recovery tools and a dedicated Armed Forces support programme.
• GambleAware
  Information, prevention tools and signposting to further support services across the UK.

Best for Intensive or Residential Treatment

• Gordon Moody
  Specialist residential treatment programmes for those needing more intensive, structured support.

Best For Clinical Treatment

• NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic
  Offers specialist, evidence-based treatment for gambling addiction, including therapy, clinical support and family involvement.

If you feel ready, you can explore verified, Forces-friendly gambling support services — including Betknowmore UK and more - directly on Troopr.

“Recovery is about finding what works for you. Because the military world is so unique, veterans often want to talk to someone who’s been there. When a veteran speaks to another veteran who’s walked that path, there’s instant trust, and that’s often the first step towards change.”

Breaking the Stigma

Despite growing awareness, shame and stigma still prevent many veterans from asking for help.

“Coming from a military background can make it even harder,” Feona says. “There’s this idea that asking for help is weakness, or that being seen as a ‘welfare case’ is shameful. But reaching out isn’t weakness — it’s courage.”

Campaigns like Gambling Awareness Week play a vital role in breaking that silence. “Every event, whether it’s a veterans’ drop-in, a wellbeing day, or a national campaign, opens doors. When we talk openly about gambling harm, we give others permission to do the same. That’s how change happens, one conversation at a time.”

Building Resilience: How Education Prevents Gambling Harm

Prevention begins with education and connection.

Betknowmore UK offers free training designed to raise awareness among veterans, families, and Forces-friendly employers:

• Bet You Can Help Now: A 90-minute online awareness session on how gambling affects the brain, why it’s more prevalent in the military, and how to recognise and signpost someone for help.
• Battling the Odds: A full-day, face-to-face course accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health, leading to a Level 2 qualification in Tackling Gambling Harm.

“We’d like to see gambling awareness built into transition and resettlement programmes,” says Feona. “The earlier people understand risk, the easier it is to spot the signs — in themselves or others.”

Feona’s closing advice is simple — and powerful: “Stay connected — to your peers, your community, your purpose. Gambling often thrives in isolation, so connection is the strongest defence.”

What to Do Next: Simple Steps to Get Help Today

If you’re worried about your gambling, or you’ve recognised the signs in someone close to you, the most important step is taking action early.

Here’s where to start:

1. Talk to someone who understands. Veterans can get confidential support through Betknowmore UK and the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network.
2. Use 24/7 help if you're struggling right now. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
3. Explore Forces-friendly services on Troopr. Use Troopr's marketplace of opportunities to explore trusted organisations, peer networks and specialist help available near you.

Taking the first step is the hardest, but it’s also the moment you take back control. And you don’t have to do it alone.