gambling while serving the country— is it possible?

[Spinning99]

did you know that there are slot machines in american military bases all over the world? you will not be finding a full blown casinos in there but these machines offer enough entertainment to their soldiers i believe.

I didn't know that!

the profit made using these machines is used by the military for their own programs so the money just goes back to them but it raises a few questions. first of all, how ethical it is to put slot machines in an environment where the tension, risk and stress are high? these soldiers undergo intense mental training trying to fight off traumatic experiences and loneliness away from their families and home. are these machines making them a lot more vulnerable to addiction?

second, if a soldier is a gambling addict does this make him unfit to serve in the military anymore? we know that addiction no matter where can make someone illogical and make him do things that he would otherwise never do. i am aware that these machines can cure their boredom but is it the best hobby to provide for their brave soldiers? what do you think?

While it is good that the profit is used by the military, having these machines is a very bad idea. Soldiers are a vulnerable population, especially if they engage in warfare missions or even actual war. We are further sabotaging them instead of protecting them. They should be provided different means of healthy activities, but not this.

[Shinpako09]

Woah, I didn’t know this. I searched and it’s true, that’s surprising, and the US military is even raking in millions of dollars every year, that’s a lot. Instead of soldiers going to casinos or online casinos, the government just stations slot machines, so their losses go directly to them instead of casinos. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, civil servants are prohibited from engaging in any gambling activities. Of course, there are still some who do. As long as no one reports you, you’re good to go.

[AmoreJaz]

Woah, I didn’t know this. I searched and it’s true, that’s surprising, and the US military is even raking in millions of dollars every year, that’s a lot. Instead of soldiers going to casinos or online casinos, the government just stations slot machines, so their losses go directly to them instead of casinos. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, civil servants are prohibited from engaging in any gambling activities. Of course, there are still some who do. As long as no one reports you, you’re good to go.

That is their entertainment within their area. As they have difficulty in looking for some type of fun after their duty, the government already placed such entertainment within their reach. On this note, the government should also do some studies if their soldiers are getting addicted to this form of fun or if it is already affecting their way of life where they are stationed at. More than likely, they already have some few alarming cases stemming from these slot machines. But if they have the upper hand when a soldier can play or not, like they won't permit them to play while they are on duty, it means, they can control their soldiers.

[mirakal]

I don't think that in an environment where there is always a daily routine, any of the servicemen will be able to develop a gambling addiction. They simply won't have time for it. Slot machines, in this case, serve exclusively as entertainment, and it is precisely in such an environment that the military needs to be distracted so as not to forget that they also have other feelings and that they can rejoice and relax. I know that there are also libraries and movie theaters; that is, in between services, people are required to rest, and how they prefer to do it is their choice.

These military men are just like other humans beings, they also want to enjoy their spare time and if slot machines are giving them joy and entertainment, then so be it. After all, they don’t gamble the whole time knowing there are also superiors giving them commands and orders in time of duty, so most probably they can only gamble at least an hour and that’s good for their mental and emotional health while they’re aware from their family and loved ones.

[Die_empty]

There have been cases where soldiers get addicted to gambling, some of these people have been through a lot so they rely on something else to help them cope with their trauma. As long as this slot games are in public places then there's no problem, getting addicted would not be possible because they would be monitored closely. But for me, I would not suggest that a solider should start gambling

There was a report that Ukrainian soldiers were suffering from gambling addictions, and the government was requested to take action. They were using their mobile phones for gambling because they wanted to overcome stress. There was also concern that some of these soldiers had fallen into debt. The government was asked to curb the use of unpatriotic patriotic-themed advertising and tactics to target soldiers.

Gambling could be a means to reduce the effects of the stress and horror soldiers face on the battlefield. It might be a means to relax and enjoy some good time. But too much of everything is bad. Hence, there should be a means to help these soldiers gamble responsibly. 

[sompitonov]

I don't think that in an environment where there is always a daily routine, any of the servicemen will be able to develop a gambling addiction. They simply won't have time for it. Slot machines, in this case, serve exclusively as entertainment, and it is precisely in such an environment that the military needs to be distracted so as not to forget that they also have other feelings and that they can rejoice and relax. I know that there are also libraries and movie theaters; that is, in between services, people are required to rest, and how they prefer to do it is their choice.

These military men are just like other humans beings, they also want to enjoy their spare time and if slot machines are giving them joy and entertainment, then so be it. After all, they don’t gamble the whole time knowing there are also superiors giving them commands and orders in time of duty, so most probably they can only gamble at least an hour and that’s good for their mental and emotional health while they’re aware from their family and loved ones.

Of course, the military are not robots, they have human feelings that also want to win and conquer. But given that today in the world there are many hot conflicts between countries, there are also military men who play, perhaps even from a smartphone and bet their money that they earned in military service. I sometimes think that they dream of betting all their money and becoming millionaires to fully enjoy life, because risking it in reality, you understand how important it is. It also seems to me that they make big bets and even if they lose, it does not scare them, because they looked death straight in the eye, maybe every day.

[internetional]

the only way it is going to affect them is with regards how their finance is going to drain off if they loose too much which will somehow make them desperate to get money and that is going to lead them to corrupt ways of getting money

I remember that when I was a kid, my father told me that soldiers in the army received a cash allowance. It was very small, but it was still enough because the military was fully provided for by the state, and they practically didn’t need money at all.

Of course, he was talking about the Soviet army, not the American one. Maybe in the U.S. Army soldiers get paid more. But I doubt that their needs for money are greater than those of Soviet soldiers back then. If they lose some - so what? It’s not a big deal. The state will still provide them with everything they need.

[radjie]

if a soldier is a gambling addict does this make him unfit to serve in the military anymore? we know that addiction no matter where can make someone illogical and make him do things that he would otherwise never do. i am aware that these machines can cure their boredom but is it the best hobby to provide for their brave soldiers? what do you think?

It seems highly unethical for state officials to be provided with gambling machines, the purpose of which is to relieve their boredom. This is clearly not recommended, as there are many negative consequences when a soldier becomes addicted to gambling. Their mental health can be affected, and free time that should be used for positive activities can become negative due to excessive gambling.

[Solodoski]

I really don't think that gambling in the military is bad, but it can only be bad when a soldier is addicted, because it might affect the soldier's performance. We need to understand that gambling is a form of entertainment and this soldiers are human that sometimes needs distractions to take their minds away from a lot of things that is going on in their lives. They get lonely from being away from family and also get stress from being on the battle field,  so I think a little distraction like gambling  could help ease them. I am  also very sure that the gambling can only be done in there base and not the front line.
Talking about getting addicted,  I believe being a soldiers is one of the most disciplined profession, so they will definitely have a way to control them from getting addicted to it, so it doesn't affect them.

[Dunamisx]

did you know that there are slot machines in american military bases all over the world? you will not be finding a full blown casinos in there but these machines offer enough entertainment to their soldiers i believe.

Initially, gambling was expected to be seen as a means to why people can come together and have fun, so if in the military camp you discover any form of being entertained there, then it should not be a surprise, because they also need to ease their own self from the struggles in this profession and get entertained in various ways, since most of them may not be able to have access in going to the casino mingling with the civilians, if they gamble together within their territory, i don't think its something bad, after all, gambling is entertaining.

[Fredomago]

Woah, I didn’t know this. I searched and it’s true, that’s surprising, and the US military is even raking in millions of dollars every year, that’s a lot. Instead of soldiers going to casinos or online casinos, the government just stations slot machines, so their losses go directly to them instead of casinos. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, civil servants are prohibited from engaging in any gambling activities. Of course, there are still some who do. As long as no one reports you, you’re good to go.

That is their entertainment within their area. As they have difficulty in looking for some type of fun after their duty, the government already placed such entertainment within their reach. On this note, the government should also do some studies if their soldiers are getting addicted to this form of fun or if it is already affecting their way of life where they are stationed at.

Yup, the government needs to find ways to filter out who's getting addicted, we know the changes that might happen to a person who already deeply engaged to gambling even they are professionals, they are not exempt to any types of addiction of they continually playing without limiting their time and the money that they'll going to use,.

[Nothingtodo]

Why the heck not? There are military bases where the soldiers literally go to town in pubs and bars for reasons that we are all aware of in order to stay in peak condition mentally and physically.

In comparison, gambling games like slot machines etc are nothing at all. If they are becoming a nuisance somewhere, they could just replace it with some other alternative in that specific place.

Of course, the military needs entertainment, and if gambling is a means of entertainment for them, then gambling can certainly be served to them. The military can never be kept in a state of fatigue because they are always dedicating themselves to the service of the country. All the parts of gambling that do not have a psychological impact can be allocated to the military. If slot machines are good for the military, then I would certainly support it. However, there are other aspects of gambling besides slot machines that are suitable for the military.

[Pandu Geddon]

second, if a soldier is a gambling addict does this make him unfit to serve in the military anymore? we know that addiction no matter where can make someone illogical and make him do things that he would otherwise never do. i am aware that these machines can cure their boredom but is it the best hobby to provide for their brave soldiers? what do you think?

Becoming addicted depends on a person's level of self-control. For a soldier, they are trained to control their emotions to remain stable even in high-pressure situations. They are trained not to recklessly point a gun and shoot. Everyone's situation is certainly different, but in the case of slot machines on military bases, I believe it's just a form of entertainment. However, it's not impossible for a soldier to become addicted to gambling.

[Butterfan]

Initially, gambling was expected to be seen as a means to why people can come together and have fun, so if in the military camp you discover any form of being entertained there, then it should not be a surprise, because they also need to ease their own self from the struggles in this profession and get entertained in various ways, since most of them may not be able to have access in going to the casino mingling with the civilians, if they gamble together within their territory, i don't think its something bad, after all, gambling is entertaining.

I understand that soldiers also require some means of relaxation and fun but slot machines are an easy way to get into addiction, particularly in a stressful place like being in the military. It is vital to be entertained, however, there ought to be safer ways of entertainment, which would not jeopardize their mental status, as well as finances.

[₿itcoin]

That is totally crazy. I realise the point behind entertaining the soldiers' logic, but installation of these slot machines in these incredibly stressful places is no more than giving free beer coupons to an alcoholic who is trying to recover. Sure, the profits do go back to the military, but the addiction can be so costly on our soldiers, as soldier with the addiction to gamble can easily lose focus and can misjudge in high-stakes scenarios too. IMO, that relief from boredom could be provided in quite a number of healthier ways without pressing a coin machine with our monthly salaries. God, the ethics is really a concern here, not gonna lie.

[Cityhunter34]

second, if a soldier is a gambling addict does this make him unfit to serve in the military anymore? we know that addiction no matter where can make someone illogical and make him do things that he would otherwise never do. i am aware that these machines can cure their boredom but is it the best hobby to provide for their brave soldiers? what do you think?

Basically a military personnel is not sopos to gamble or should not be gambling, because
1. gambling comes with a lot of distraction which if he keeps on gambling he may be distracted from doing his work in his primary place of assignment. What gambling can do to a military person is to become aggressive towards people for what is not necessary.
2. Gambling by a military person may reduce his personality to an extent he may be too familiar with people that are not meant to be associate with.

There are many things gambling can make a military person do which I may have forget to list here but in general, gambling is not meant for military, since it involves emotion and a n angry military person can go extra mile when they lose more, compeard to how civilians will react when they lose.

Of course a military personnel is supposed to be at alert every given time because he might be gambling one day and got carried away why things are going wrong, all even though did something that would result someone to early grave due to their life style. Because this has remind me of a man who deceive a military man that his game is not going to play, then the military man went and played the game that the man bring, but at last it was the military man game that played, he was very annoyed with the man to the extent of shouting the man. Although it was the man's fault but even as that gambling with military man is highly not advisable for anyone because their own reasoning and your own are not the same.

[Sticky Bomb]

first of all, how ethical it is to put slot machines in an environment where the tension, risk and stress are high? these soldiers undergo intense mental training trying to fight off traumatic experiences and loneliness away from their families and home. are these machines making them a lot more vulnerable to addiction?

Soldiers need to unwind too from the mental and emotional stress associated with their job. Gambling gives mental relaxation and it's not a bad thing that it's there. Since it's a military gambling center, I would want to believe that lots of precautions are taken to checkmate soldiers gambling activities and prevent possible addiction because it would see soldiers neglect their duties which would be very uncalled for.

second, if a soldier is a gambling addict does this make him unfit to serve in the military anymore? we know that addiction no matter where can make someone illogical and make him do things that he would otherwise never do. i am aware that these machines can cure their boredom but is it the best hobby to provide for their brave soldiers? what do you think?

Soldiers have lots of programs designed for them to unwind and relax and the slot machine is just one of them. It is not permitted on duty and soldiers take discipline seriously. It's still very possible that few of them would abuse it.

[icebar]

if a soldier is a gambling addict does this make him unfit to serve in the military anymore? we know that addiction no matter where can make someone illogical and make him do things that he would otherwise never do. i am aware that these machines can cure their boredom but is it the best hobby to provide for their brave soldiers? what do you think?

If a soldier gets addicted to any addiction, it will definitely cause harm to him. If he gets addicted, then he will definitely not be able to do his normal work. Because his attention will not be on work but on gambling. There are some who gamble and they also perform their proper duties during work. And there are some who gamble only when they are free. Although gambling usually does not cause any problem, when he gets addicted, nothing good can be expected from him. In my opinion, if someone is free and enjoys a little bit of fun by putting a little money into gambling, it won't do much harm if they're not addicted.

[Jaksonhard]

gambling is for entertainment, but it is for the entertainment of the military of a country. I do not support gambling. Because gambling is a bit of an addictive game, if any military force or any soldier here gets addicted to gambling, they can forget their own responsibilities. Because I think that when a gambler gets completely addicted to gambling, he does not think about what he is doing at every moment. So I do not think that gambling can be a part of entertainment for everyone. Gambling addiction has the potential to make many forget their responsibilities. Yes, those soldiers can gamble, if it does not affect them and their government takes charge of it, then they can play. But I do not think that any government of any country can provide such opportunities.

[Btcdeybodi]

Soldiers are military people that went through severe and harsh trainings and has built their mind to withstand pressure of any kind and even though there are soldiers who becomes emotional but these people are trained to be emotional strong so i don't think that keeping slot machines in the military base is problematic to them. Perhaps, they are only having fun since the profits made from the usage of those slot machines are being channeled to military programs so they will still benefit from it so i don't think there is any form of gambling addiction that will worry their mental well-being.