A recent investigation by the Department of Defense Inspector General revealed that hundreds of US military personnel abused government travel charge cards in 2023. Service members spent more than $500,000 on unauthorized gambling, alcohol, nightclubs, and mobile games. Such incidents raise serious questions about the effectiveness of monitoring and oversight systems and the impact of gambling harm on military personnel.
Casinos, Bars, and Online Gaming Made Up Most Violations
According to a report by military-focused news outlet Task & Purpose, One of the most egregious cases of financial abuse involved an Air Force serviceman who didn’t raise any alarms while going on a five-month gambling spree. In April 2023, the airman completed at least 20 ATM withdrawals at MGM National Harbor and other casinos in Maryland, charging $10,633 to his Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC.)
The inspector general’s report highlighted a significant oversight in the monitoring system. Since the ATM service provider had changed its name from Global Cash Access to Everi, the monitoring software did not flag the transactions as suspicious. Officials eventually detected the irregularities in August 2023, alerting authorities. The airman received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The report uncovered more unauthorized expenses, including almost $150,000 in charges on Google Play apps from 2020 to 2024. Bars and casinos, traditionally flagged as off-limits, accounted for many of the violations. As a silver lining, unauthorized spending was down significantly compared to a 2015 audit that found nearly $1 million in gambling charges and $100,000 wasted at strip clubs.
Problem Gambling Presents Substantial Security Risks
The DoD IG report has underlined the need for more stringent monitoring and enforcement of GTCC use. More transparent reporting can be vital to maintain trust in military spending practices and prevent potential security breaches. Experts have warned of security risks associated with casinos, like blackmail attempts of individuals with access to sensitive information about the country’s national security.
These revelations closely follow national security concerns over a proposed Tysons casino in Fairfax County, Virginia. Over 100 former intelligence and defense officials voiced their opposition to the project, warning of significant security risks due to the casino’s proximity to sensitive government and defense installations, potentially exposing employees to gambling harm.
It remains to be seen how the Pentagon will reign in the continued unauthorized spending of military personnel. A recent report revealed growing gambling addiction rates among service members, potentially exacerbating this issue. If left unchecked, the proliferation of gambling harm can significantly impact individual combat readiness and erode public trust in the armed forces.