U.S. Military Made Over 8,000 Transactions at Casinos Using Government Funds
Last year, the U.S. military conducted more than 11,000 suspicious transactions and spent over $40 billion on gambling, bar visits, and nightclubs using special payment cards for official expenses.
What the Audit Revealed
According to a report by the Pentagon’s Inspector General, nearly 8,000 transactions were made at casinos, and another 3,246 transactions at bars and nightclubs. These expenses often occurred around holidays and major events such as the Super Bowl, UFC 300, St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s, and other notable dates.
In total, spending on these government cards amounted to more than $40 billion during the past fiscal year. On average, federal employees hold nearly two cards per person.
Congressional Response
Senator Joni Ernst and Congressman James Comer sent a letter to U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro demanding a comprehensive review of federal payment card programs. According to them, this is necessary to restore order and stop the misuse of taxpayer funds.
“It’s unacceptable for Department of Defense employees to spend government funds at casinos and bars, especially during holidays. This reckless behavior must stop,” Ernst stated.
Key Systemic Issues
- Issuing nearly two cards per employee.
- Widespread use of cards at high-risk establishments: casinos, bars, and nightclubs.
- Bypassing spending limits through “split purchases,” where large expenses are broken into smaller ones to avoid the $3,500 cap.
- Lack of oversight — not a single local card administrator at the DOD was able to provide an example of expense analysis aimed at reduction.
What Lawmakers Propose
Ernst and Comer are calling on the Government Accountability Office to investigate the following areas:
| Area of Review | What’s Being Investigated |
|---|---|
| Card Issuance Criteria | Who receives cards and under what conditions |
| Agency Oversight | How internal rules and limits are enforced |
| Transaction Risks | Frequency of suspicious charges, including at casinos, bars, cannabis dispensaries, and dating sites |
| Account Closures | Whether cards are deactivated when employees leave |
Lawmakers’ Position
“We must put an end to officials throwing parties on the taxpayer’s dime,” Comer emphasized. According to him, taxpayers should not be footing the bill for nightclub entertainment and gambling.
Senator Ernst added, “It’s time to cut up the cards and get spending under control. We’re facing $36 trillion in debt — every dollar must be accounted for.”
What’s Next
If the audit proceeds, it could impact hundreds of federal agencies and lead to a complete overhaul of the government’s official payment card system.