Dave Yeager, a US Army veteran, developed a gambling addiction during his service on overseas bases. Now, he dedicates his efforts to assist others while advocating for improved prevention, intervention, and treatment options within the military.
Following the events of 9/11, Yeager arrived at the US military base in Yongsan, South Korea, on his way to join his Army unit for a year at Busan Naval Base. Feeling jet-lagged and anxious that first night, and with his family back home, he wandered around the base. To his surprise, he discovered a casino-style slot room, as such facilities are not part of military infrastructure in the US, where gambling machines have been banned since 1951.
The connection between military service and gambling is complex. Research indicates that veterans and active duty personnel are at a higher risk for gambling-related issues compared to civilians, often hesitating to seek help due to concerns about their military standing or potential discharge.
Despite the risks, overseas military bases still feature slot and card rooms. The Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) oversees slot operations for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, while the Air Force has its own program. Reports show that as of last summer, the ARMP managed 1,889 slot machines across 79 military locations, generating over $100 million annually at their peak. However, these on-base gambling activities lack the regulatory oversight typical of state-sanctioned gambling, exposing young service members to potential gambling issues.
Yeager's own gambling journey began with a casual visit to a casino in Atlantic City, where he would set a budget and stick to it. However, his experience in Korea was different; a win at the slots provided an escape from stress, leading to a spiraling addiction that resulted in multiple suicide attempts and the end of his first marriage. His gambling problems intensified after he discovered the gambling parlor at the Busan base, where his addiction took hold.
Despite the challenges, Yeager received an honorable discharge, which enabled him to access Veterans Affairs (VA) services, including a gambling treatment program he joined in 2007. His recovery journey was not linear; after initially feeling better, he stopped attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings. He later reconnected with his high school sweetheart, marrying in 2011, but soon faced a relapse. By late 2019, he found himself deeply entrenched in his addiction, prompting him to seek help again and ultimately choose life over despair.