January 22, 2026 — The Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation has issued a consumer protection advisory warning aging veterans about predatory gambling schemes while highlighting the importance of understanding regulated gaming options, including legal frameworks like those governing online casinos in France, as models of consumer protection.

The advisory comes as research indicates that veterans, particularly those dealing with PTSD, social isolation, or financial challenges, are disproportionately targeted by unregulated gambling operations and predatory lending schemes that exploit their trust and vulnerabilities.

Understanding Gambling Risks for Veterans

Studies show that approximately 10-15% of veterans experience problem gambling at some point in their lives, significantly higher than the general population rate of 2-3%. The combination of service-related trauma, difficulty reintegrating into civilian life, and targeted marketing by unscrupulous operators creates perfect conditions for exploitation.

“We’ve seen too many Vietnam-era veterans lose their pensions, benefits, and savings to illegal gambling operations that promise easy money,” explains Robert Martinez, Director of Veterans Affairs Advocacy. “Our mission is to educate our brothers and sisters about protecting themselves from predatory schemes while understanding their legal options if they choose to participate in gaming activities.”

The Importance of Regulatory Oversight

The advisory emphasizes that veterans interested in gaming entertainment should only engage with properly licensed and regulated platforms that offer genuine consumer protections. International models of gambling regulation demonstrate how proper oversight can protect consumers while providing legitimate entertainment options.

France’s approach to regulating online gambling serves as an example of comprehensive consumer protection. The country maintains strict licensing requirements and player safeguards that could benefit consumers worldwide. For those interested in understanding how proper regulation works, a complete list of legal casinos operating under French regulatory standards can be found at https://ely.vc/fr-fr/, which provides information about platforms meeting rigorous consumer protection requirements.

Protecting Veterans from Financial Exploitation

The foundation’s consumer protection initiative focuses on educating veterans about:

• Recognizing Unlicensed Operations: How to identify illegal gambling schemes that operate without regulatory oversight
• Understanding Legal Protections: The difference between regulated and unregulated gambling platforms
• Scam Prevention: Common tactics used by fraudulent operators targeting veterans
• Financial Security: Protecting pension payments, VA benefits, and retirement savings
• Support Resources: Where to find help for problem gambling or financial exploitation

Red Flags Veterans Should Recognize

The advisory outlines warning signs of predatory gambling operations:

• Unsolicited contact via phone, email, or mail offering “guaranteed wins”
• Requests for upfront payments or fees to access winnings
• Platforms operating without visible licensing or regulatory information
• High-pressure sales tactics or limited-time offers
• Promises of special “veteran discounts” or exclusive military access
• Requests for bank account information or Social Security numbers

Resources for Veterans

The foundation has established a dedicated hotline staffed by veteran peer counselors who can provide:

• Free confidential gambling problem assessments
• Referrals to VA mental health services
• Financial counseling for those experiencing gambling-related debt
• Information about consumer protection laws
• Assistance reporting fraudulent operations to authorities

The Connection Between PTSD and Problem Gambling

Mental health professionals emphasize the link between combat-related PTSD and increased vulnerability to gambling addiction. The temporary escape provided by gambling can become a harmful coping mechanism for veterans struggling with service-related trauma.

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran mental health, notes: “Many Vietnam veterans never received adequate treatment for PTSD. Decades later, some turn to gambling as a way to manage anxiety, depression, or intrusive memories. Understanding this vulnerability is crucial for prevention and intervention.”

Community Support and Awareness

Veterans service organizations across the country are partnering on the awareness campaign, distributing educational materials at VA facilities, veterans centers, and community events. The initiative includes:

• Wallet-sized cards with warning signs and support hotline numbers
• Online webinars about financial protection and scam prevention
• Peer support groups for veterans affected by problem gambling
• Training for family members to recognize warning signs
• Collaboration with state attorneys general to prosecute predatory operators

Legal Action Against Predators

The foundation is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute operations specifically targeting veterans with fraudulent gambling schemes. Several cases are currently under investigation involving operators who illegally obtained veteran mailing lists and targeted elderly veterans with misleading promotions.

Moving Forward

While the focus remains on protection and prevention, the foundation acknowledges that legal, regulated entertainment options exist for those who choose to participate in gambling activities. The key is ensuring veterans have access to accurate information about their rights, the risks involved, and how to identify legitimate versus predatory operations.

“Our veterans served with honor and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Martinez concludes. “Protecting them from financial predators is one small way we can continue to serve those who served us.”

Support Resources

Veterans experiencing gambling-related problems or who suspect they’ve been targeted by fraudulent operations can contact:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
• VA Caregiver Support: 1-855-260-3274

Media Contact:
Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation
Consumer Protection Division