The formation of the Military Gambling Awareness Committee (MGAC) by the Kindbridge Research Institute aims to address gambling-related harms in the military community, advocating for policy adjustments and a comprehensive public health strategy tailored to the military context.
New Committee to Address Gambling Issues in the Military
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2024 — The Kindbridge Research Institute has announced the formation of the Military Gambling Awareness Committee (MGAC), a new initiative aimed at tackling gambling-related harms within the military community. This effort seeks to foster an environment where awareness and preventive measures against gambling-related issues are integrated into military life, ultimately improving the well-being and operational readiness of service members.
Mission and Vision
The MGAC will collaborate with the military and the Department of Defense to identify policy gaps using evidence-based approaches and to offer recommendations for potential adjustments. By utilising data, programs, and various resources, the committee aims to enhance the approach to gambling within the Department of Defense, advocating for a comprehensive public health strategy tailored to the military context.
“Establishing the Military Gambling Awareness Committee is a crucial step in Kindbridge Research Institute’s mission to support the mental health and well-being of our service members,” said Dr. Nathan D. Smith, Executive Director of the Kindbridge Research Institute. “By assembling a diverse group of experts, we hope to identify and address gaps in current policies and provide comprehensive solutions that will enhance the overall health and readiness of military personnel.”
Expert Contributions
Heading the committee is Mark Lucia, a Senior Military Research Associate at Kindbridge Research Institute and former Special Forces medic with extensive deployments in Europe. Lucia’s firsthand experience with the mental health challenges faced by military personnel motivated his career shift to military mental health research. He holds a dual MBA/MPH from Johns Hopkins University.
Brianne Doura-Schawohl, the founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, will serve as a policy advisor. With extensive experience in advocacy, public policy, and government affairs, she has been instrumental in pushing for gambling-related policies in Congress, especially focused on military gambling issues.
Representing the gambling industry, Richard Taylor, Director of Responsible Gambling at BetMGM, brings a unique perspective shaped by his time in the U.S. Marine Corps and his experience with the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Gaming Committee. Taylor has actively delivered responsible gambling training at local military bases in Las Vegas.
Joe Solosky, Managing Director of Sports Betting at NASCAR, will represent the sports industry. Solosky’s background includes positions at data distributor Sportradar and as a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. His expertise in sports betting operations is expected to lend valuable insights to the committee’s initiatives.
Joseph Martin, CEO of Kinectify, will function as the technology/security expert. Martin’s extensive experience in risk management technology and anti-money laundering practices spans the gaming, banking, and cannabis industries. His work is informed by his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of State.
Caroline Ponseti, a communication strategist at Invariant, will serve as the public affairs advisor. With extensive experience in media relations and political campaigns, Ponseti aims to shift public perception and build strong stakeholder relationships.
David Yeager, a veteran of the United States Army and a gambling addiction recovery advocate, will develop educational programs. He brings personal experience with gambling addiction within the military and currently works as an intake specialist and gambling recovery coach.
Future Goals and Collaborations
The MGAC plans to expand its roster to include more experts in the military and mental health fields. “Our military community faces unique challenges, and gambling-related harms can significantly impact the well-being and readiness of our service members,” stated Mark Lucia. “The Military Gambling Awareness Committee is committed to creating a proactive, informed environment where we can address these issues head-on, fostering a culture of awareness and support within the military.”
By leveraging connections across political, media, health, educational, and other sectors, the MGAC aims to improve awareness, educate stakeholders, and promote best practices for addressing gambling issues. This holistic approach is intended to reduce stigma, support mental health initiatives, and advocate for policy changes to strengthen military readiness and cohesion.
The Kindbridge Research Institute remains dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of mental health challenges within the military community through continued research and innovative programs.
