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Congressman: Ban gambling on foreign bases

WASHINGTON — A bill that would ban government-sponsored gambling at foreign military bases was introduced Wednesday by Rep. Lincoln Davis.

Gambling is not allowed on domestic bases — only foreign facilities where the host country allows the practice. The military raises about $150 million each year from gambling machines on foreign bases, Davis, a Tennessee Democrat, said.

Most of that money goes to pay for solider recreational activities, but Davis said that doesn’t make government-sponsored gambling OK. He said some soldiers have become addicted to gambling because of its presence on bases and at least one soldier took his life after becoming addicted.

“We’re taking advantage of the time that our soldiers have when they are not on the battlefield,” Davis said Wednesday. “I think that’s wrong. I don’t think that’s the American way of doing business.”

Army Lt. Col. Les’ Melnyk, a Defense Department spokesman, said slot machines and video poker are offered as recreational activities to soldiers, along with movie theaters, bowling allies and arcade centers.

“It brings a touch of home to the service member,” Melnyk said, adding that if the base didn’t allow gambling in countries where gambling is legal, soldiers could do it off the base.

Providing gambling opportunities to soldiers on military bases allows the government to offer a higher payout percentage in a controlled, safe environment, and to funnel the money back into programs that benefit soldiers, he said.

“Obviously, we are aware of and concerned with the possibility of gambling addiction,” Melnyk said. “We have programs in place and counseling for those with addictive personalities.”

The chances of Davis’ bill are uncertain as Congress prepares for its holiday break.

Davis, who is not a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said he hoped to get attention for the issue and pass the bill on its own or as part of a larger defense bill.

DISCUSS: Does the gambling on foreign bases do more harm than good?