BetMGM and FanDuel Sign Problem Gambling Research for Military Request

If approved, the request would be improved in the FY 2026 defense appropriations bill.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: June 30, 2025 2:23 PM EDT • 2 minute read

BetMGM and FanDuel Sign Problem Gambling Research for Military Request — Pictured: US Army soldiers march during the military parade and celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jack Gruber via USA TODAY.

Sportsbook operators BetMGM and FanDuel have signed a letter from the National Council on Problem Gambling requesting that research into problem gambling’s impact on the military be included in the FY 2026 defense appropriations bill.

The letter was sent to the chairman and another member of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, Senators Mitch McConnell and Chris Coons. Along with BetMGM and FanDuel, MGM Resorts International and 24 state affiliates signed the letter.

“Despite the high prevalence and risk of gambling addiction amongst our service members and veterans, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how to best treat, intervene, and prevent this mental health issue within the military population… Strong bipartisan support for gambling addiction research for improved screening, treatment, and recovery will allow for lifesaving efforts for many of your constituents who have chosen to serve our country and their families,” said the letter.

Military veterans face more risks from problem gambling

Part of the letter’s argument to include more research into the military and gambling was to cite several studies that show military personnel face more severe impacts from problem gambling and are more at risk of becoming addicted. It's not a surprise to see some of our best sports betting sites getting behind the initiative.

For example, one study showed that 40% of veterans who struggle with problem gambling have attempted suicide. Another pointed out that when looking at problem gambling signs, active military service people and veterans scored twice as many points as civilians.

FanDuel continues responsible gambling push

This isn’t the first time FanDuel has made headlines for its responsible gambling integration. The company launched its My Spend gambling platform during the 2024/25 NFL season and revealed that half of its player base chose to use the tool. Those 3.5 million people got insights into deposits, spending, and betting with quick access to responsible gambling tools. The platform also included a Deposit Alerts tool to help control budgets.

Meanwhile, the company made two $1 million donations to Operation HOPE, a non-profit that provides free financial counseling on a range of issues, such as gambling addiction, in Kentucky.

“Problem gambling disproportionately impacts our military communities and has life-altering impacts on service members who do not receive treatment. We’re proud to stand with an industry coalition to ask that we support our service members and their families by adding gambling addiction as an eligible research topic in the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program,” commented Cory Fox, VP of Public Policy and Sustainability at FanDuel on the letter signed with the National Council on Problem Gambling

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.