Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of gambling-related harm among (1) veterans and (2) people currently serving in the Armed Forces; and what assessment they have made, if any, of gambling participation rate in those groups.

The Ministry of Defence takes problem-gambling seriously.

While data on gambling rates in the military is not routinely reported, where problem-gambling is identified, Defence healthcare providers ensure that the individual is referred to the appropriate level and type of intervention to meet their gambling issue.

This service sets out the levels of care to be provided by Primary Care and Mental Health clinicians from low-risk gambling up to gambling with negative consequences and a possible loss of control can be aligned to welfare support to those who are adversely affected by problem-gambling and supports referral to specialist support organisations such as the NHS Primary Care Gambling Services.

Defence also draws on support from GambleAware for campaigns to tackle the stigma associated with Gambling, collaborates with the Centre of Military Gambling Research at the University of Swansea, works with cross-Government colleagues including with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on policy development, and regularly consults with the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network. Gambling websites are also blocked on Defence IT to reduce accessibility, and financial awareness training is available for all personnel.

Veterans are eligible for gambling addiction treatment through the National Health Service. The Office for Veterans' Affairs in the Ministry of Defence regularly works with the third sector and academia to ensure veteran-specific needs are understood.