Andy Gallie, a military veteran, has been recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Soldiering On Awards, acknowledging his significant contributions to addressing gambling addiction within the Armed Forces community. His nomination in the Education, Training, and Development category highlights a critical issue affecting service members and veterans.
Military personnel face a heightened risk of developing gambling problems, with research indicating rates nearly double that of the civilian population. Factors such as high-risk decision-making, stress, PTSD, and depression contribute to this vulnerability. For many, gambling can become an escape or a coping mechanism for underlying issues, a phenomenon exacerbated by the presence of gambling opportunities on some military bases. A 2017 GAO report noted that military personnel and their families deposited over $1 billion annually into slot machines on overseas bases alone, with over $100 million in revenue generated for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs.
Gallie's personal journey through gambling addiction, which began in his youth and continued through his naval service, underscores the pervasive nature of this challenge. He recounts how the normalization of gambling on bases, with numerous fruit machines available, contributed to his own struggles. His experience led to significant debt and personal turmoil, but also to a profound commitment to helping others. Through the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network, Gallie has assisted numerous individuals, with many attesting that his work has been life-saving.
Organizations like GamCare are actively working to combat this issue by providing specialized training to members of the Armed Forces. This training aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip personnel with the knowledge to identify and respond to gambling-related harms, establishing crucial referral pathways for support. The need for such initiatives is underscored by the fact that veterans with gambling problems are significantly more likely to experience homelessness and have higher rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues, including suicide attempts. In fact, nearly 40% of veterans seeking treatment for gambling addiction have reported attempting suicide.
The recognition of Gallie's work through the Soldiering On Awards serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of veterans and their dedication to fostering positive change. His advocacy brings much-needed attention to the complexities of gambling addiction within the military, emphasizing the ongoing necessity for accessible resources and comprehensive support systems for those who have served.