Congressman Proposes Prohibiting Slot Machines in Military Bases Abroad
Get ready for a total shutdown of slot machines on military bases abroad - if a Democratic Congressman from New York has his way.
Rep. Paul Tonko from New York wants to put an end to Las Vegas-style machines on international U.S. military installations. He's aiming to do this by adding an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025. The deadline for submitting amendments to the law was last month.
If Tonko's plan materializes, funding will be prohibited to operate gambling machines on military grounds. The long-serving congressman has been eyeing this issue since January 2009, representing New York at the U.S. Capitol.
Tonko is expressing his disapproval of sports betting in D.C., too. Since 2023, he's been pushing for federal restrictions on how sportsbooks advertise and promote their services due to concerns about the negative impact on society.
Gambling on Military Bases: Pros & Cons
Despite being banned from U.S. domestic bases since 1951, less than a decade later the military brought back slot machines during the 1980s, following soldiers' excursions off-base to gamble at underground places. Now, more than 3,000 slots can be found in over a dozen different countries, mostly in Japan, South Korea, and Germany.
In 2017, a report from Military.com revealed that there were over 3,000 slots on these military bases. The U.S. government functions as both the casino provider and the benefactor from the financial gains they make through these slot games. This revenue, which was reported to be over $100 million annually in 2015, is then used for additional recreational activities on these military bases.
Back in 2015, Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts proposed to ban slots on military bases due to the issue of gambling addiction among service members. But nearly a decade has passed, and Tonko is now taking up her mantle.
"I've been spearheading the fight against problem gambling in Congress, and I'm optimistic that my NDAA provision could reduce the risk of our troops getting hooked on gambling," Tonko stated in an interview with Military.com.
Tonko also highlighted the importance of addressing gambling addiction among service members, highlighting their sacrifices and patriotism. "They give everything to maintain our nation's freedom. We must support them by seriously combating problem gambling," he told Military.com.
Passing the Bill: Tall Order
The version of the NDAA for the financial year 2025 received more than 1,300 amendments. This legislation is an annual priority, making it a popular choice for legislators looking to push their own agendas.
However, the House of Representatives, which is currently under Republican control, has a five-member Republican majority in the key Rules Committee. In the past, the GOP has been less than enthusiastic about taking away slots from overseas military bases, considering it more of a source of entertainment for those who desire it.
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