Study finds high gambling-risk rates among U.S. first responders

A new Kindbridge Research Institute report released Sept. 1 links gambling harm among first responders to PTSD symptoms, poor mental health and military experience. The findings could push agencies, unions and employers to add gambling screening to existing wellness programs.

Why it matters: - The report flags gambling-related harm as an underrecognized behavioral-health issue among first responders who already face trauma, stress and burnout. - The findings point to a prevention gap for agencies, unions, employers and care providers that already support mental health but may not screen for gambling risk. - The study also suggests military experience could create an added layer of vulnerability for a high-risk workforce.

What happened: - Kindbridge Research Institute released Gambling among First Responders in the United States on Sept. 1, the first day of Responsible Gaming Education Month. - The KRI-led study examined gambling behaviors, mental health, occupational factors and military experience among first responders nationwide. - EPIC Global Solutions conducted the research as KRI’s partner. - The report was authored by Anca-Maria Gherghel, senior research manager at EPIC Global Solutions, and Anneke Stols, research associate at EPIC Global Solutions. - The study covered 507 professionals in roles including firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and rescue personnel.

The details: - Of respondents, 94.5% had gambled in the previous 12 months. - Among those who gambled, 44% met the criteria for problem gambling. - Another 39% met the criteria for being at risk of gambling problems. - Firefighters showed the highest gambling-related risk among the first-responder groups in the study. - 50% of participants screened positive for possible PTSD-related symptoms. - The report found a strong association between PTSD symptom severity and gambling-harm risk. - Poorer mental-health outcomes were also linked to higher gambling risk. - Occupational factors such as work structure, shift patterns, downtime and team culture may influence how gambling fits into first responders’ coping behaviors. - First responders with current or previous military experience were significantly more likely to show higher gambling risk. - The strongest military-related effect appeared among participants currently serving in the military. - The report was funded through a grant from the Colorado Division of Gaming, part of the Colorado Department of Revenue. - Greg Weber, a New Jersey firefighter of 13 years, helped shape the research concept after seeing similarities between first responders and student-athletes, including competitiveness, risk-taking, downtime and gambling to escape. - Weber said gambling is normalized and often discussed at the firehouse. - Weber said an anonymous survey at the New Jersey State FMBA Convention in 2024 showed higher-than-average numbers for risk and harm. - The full report is available here.

Between the lines: - The study builds a bridge between behavioral health and occupational safety, suggesting gambling harm may be better understood as part of the broader trauma environment first responders face. - KRI’s emphasis on screening and early intervention suggests existing wellness systems may be missing a problem that is easier to address before it escalates. - The report also broadens the conversation beyond PTSD alone by tying gambling risk to multiple stressors, including role, work setting and military service.

What's next: - The report will be presented on Sept. 9 at the 15th European Conference on Gambling Studies and Policy Issues in Copenhagen. - KRI says the findings support integrating gambling screening into mental-health and wellness programs, plus role-specific education and prevention strategies. - The report points to expanded support for higher-risk groups, including first responders with current or previous military experience. - KRI and EPIC Global Solutions say they plan to continue advancing evidence-based approaches to gambling-related harm.

The bottom line: - The study suggests gambling harm among first responders is both widespread and tied closely to trauma, making screening and early intervention a likely next step for public-safety systems.