Enhancing healthcare access for those affected by gambling and gaming through research

Welcome to the Kindbridge Research Institute’s online hub, specially designed to support veterans and active  military personnel. This hub provides essential information about mental health, with a particular focus on gambling-related challenges. We recognize the unique pressures that come with military service — both on active duty and transitioning to civilian life — and how these pressures can sometimes lead to mental health struggles or gambling issues.

Our goal is to offer education, resources, and support to help you navigate these challenges. Whether you're seeking information, looking for help, or trying to support a loved one, you’ve come to the right place.

Understanding Gambling and
Its Impact on Mental Health

What is Gambling Disorder?

Gambling disorder is more than just occasionally betting on sports or playing cards. It’s a condition that affects a person’s ability to control their gambling habits, even when it causes significant harm to themselves or those around them. It can lead to severe financial, emotional, and psychological consequences, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening.

In the military community, gambling can sometimes be used as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress of deployment, combat, or transitioning to civilian life. However, over time, what starts as
occasional fun can spiral into a problem.

Why Military Personnel Are Vulnerable to Gambling Disorders

Several factors make veterans and active military personnel more vulnerable to developing gambling problems:

The Link Between Gambling and Mental Health

When gambling becomes a problem, it’s rarely just about the gambling itself. It’s often linked to other mental health issues, commonly found in the military, such as:

Stigma Stand Down: Care Without Barriers

Safety stand-downs are often used in the military to discuss important, safety-related issues between leaders and their troops. We at Kindbridge feel it important to hold a Stigma Stand Down where we take pause and address the still significant burden stigma has on service members, as well as offer opportunities for care and resources without the barriers.

The Reality of Stigma

Nearly 60% of service members experiencing mental health problems do not seek care. Unfortunately, stigma around mental health, particularly in the military, remains a considerable barrier to care. The cultural emphasis on toughness and resilience can make it difficult to admit vulnerability, even though mental health struggles like gambling disorders affect many people in the military community. A 2015 study documenting the prevalence of contributing drivers to stigma found the following as thought
patterns:

  1. My leadership would view me differently: 44.2% of cases
  2. I would be seen as weak: 42.9% of cases
  3. Members of my unit might have less confidence in me: 41.3% of cases
  4. It would be too embarrassing: 36.1%
  5. It would harm my career: 33.4% 
  6. My leaders would blame me for the problem: 25.5%

Studies show that veterans have 3.5x higher rates of problem gambling than their civilian counterparts. Despite this, therapy has been found as an effective form of treatment for those who experience gambling problems. However, if service members do not feel safe and able to seek care, this is a major barrier to accessing effective treatment, leaving many at risk of worsening mental health conditions, including gambling disorder. Overcoming the stigma and fostering a culture of support and openness within the military is essential to ensure that service members feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment or career repercussions.

Why Seeking Help is a Sign of Strength

It’s important to understand that seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re taking control. Just as you would seek medical care for a physical injury, reaching out for mental health support shows strength and responsibility. You are prioritizing your well-being and long-term success. .

What You Can Do Today

Available Resources and Help

Immediate Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is in immediate need of help, these resources are available 24/7

Veterans
Crisis Line:

Call 988, press 1, or test 838255 to speak with a trained responder 24/7

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Call 1-800-273-8355 if you’re feeling overwhelmed or thinking about suicide

Military
OneSource:

For confidential help regarding personal issues, including mental health and substance abuse, call 1-800-342-9647

Support for Gambling Issues

If gambling is impacting your life, these resources can provide guidance and support

Colorado Services

Free Therapy at Kindbridge

We are able to offer this service for free for all Veterans, Active Military, and their loved ones in Colorado. Call 844-FREE VET to talk to someone about your next steps and arrange your free care or online here. Click here for peer support groups and select group services to join one of our no=cost peer support groups in Colorado

PGCC (Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado)

The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and supporting treatment options for individuals and families affected by problem gambling across the state.

National Services

Gambling Therapy for Military Personnel

Kindbridge Behavioral Health specializes in providing teletherapy and mental health services with a focus on treating gaming and gambling-related issues, offering accessible care through a network of expert clinicians.

National Problem Gambling Helpline:

Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/ for help finding local resources or talking to a counselor.

Gamblers Anonymous

Visit https://www.gamanon.org/ to find a local or online support group. Connect with others who are experiencing the same struggles and get peer support.

Apply to the Military Research Associate Program (MRAP)

Apply Now