Gambling is a common recreational activity. However, some people experience problem gambling (PG) and face significant harms. One group that is at higher risk of PG is veterans. The transition from military to civilian life is associated with increased stressors and changes, which may make veterans vulnerable to PG. The researchers surveyed UK Armed Forces veterans to explore the association of coping strategies, loneliness, and transition to civilian life with PG. A total of 414 veterans completed the survey. Over half of the veterans (54.6%) gambled in the past year, and 3.1% experienced PG. Many veterans reported PTSD symptoms, loneliness, and other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Difficulty adapting to civilian job training, coping through self-blame, and substance use were linked with more severe gambling problems, whereas use of informational support protected against PG.
