The first survey on gambling risk factors among UK Armed Forces veterans concluded that veterans were over ten times more likely to experience gambling-related harms than non-veterans. In light of these findings, GambleAware commissioned Alma Economics to conduct a strategic review of the evidence base on gambling-related harms among the military community and veterans. This research aimed to deepen understanding of (i) what existing activity or services are being delivered to support this community to reduce gambling-related harms and (ii) what works, in what circumstances, and why in terms of prevention, early intervention, and treatment of gambling-related harms in this community.

To conduct this investigation, we employed a Rapid Evidence Assessment methodology, complemented by interviews with service providers and academics. The resulting report and evidence map offers a thorough overview of the evidence base regarding the nature of gambling within the military community, the current landscape of services, and recommendations for improving screening, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms among serving military personnel and veterans in Great Britain. The recommendations will inform GambleAware’s role in supporting this community going forward.