Congressman wants to ban gambling machines on base, military says they aren’t a problem

[unhappycamper]

Brightly lit slot machines, some with military-themed displays, entice visitors at the Ramstein, Germany, enlisted club.


Congressman wants to ban gambling machines on base, military says they aren’t a problem
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Tuesday, January 29, 2008

WASHINGTON — In just a few months, “Carol” dumped nearly $21,000 into the slot machines at her Army base in Germany.

She’s not really sure why.

“The bowling alley was next door to where I worked; I started going in to eat lunch and started dropping a few coins in the machines,” said the senior noncommissioned officer, who asked that her full name not appear in print. “I won a few times; next thing you know, I was going to the bowling alley every day for lunch, and then after work.”

Carol believes she has a gambling problem, but is reluctant to seek counseling on base because she fears that her superiors may distrust or demote her if they learn about her mistakes.

“I received a lump bonus payment of over $30,000,” she said. “My plan was to pay off debts and be able to retire debt-free except for the mortgage payment. In less than four months, I had gone through the money with nothing to show for it.”


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52001

[stevekatz]

1. I hope they don't

I'm an Air Force NCO stationed Camp Zama in Japan,,
I'd like to be allowed to gamble if I want to (even though i very rarely do so)

What's next ? Banning the base's Bingo nights?

[eowyn_of_rohan]

2. You'd be better off playing poker with your friends

The electronic machines are soooooo rigged, and about as trustworthy as our voting machines.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

4. Wanted to add -- why is the military so FOR this?

PROFIT. At your expense.

[raebrek]

3. That's like

That is just like saying you are going to ban the drinking of alcohol because some people have drinking problems. Step up and look after yourself before the government does.

Raebrek!!!