It’s reported the US Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) currently operates 1,889 slot machines in 79 areas abroad – which include Japan, Korea and Germany – and in the process earning millions of dollars for golf courses and bowling alleys on sites.
ARMP Raised $70.9m From Slot Machine Operations In 2024
The ARMP program covers slots on Army, Navy and Marine Corps bases – with the Air Force having their own version – and in 2024 reported making a staggering $70.9m from these machines.
In 2024, the ARMP made $53m in net profits and have been increasing in recent years – with 2023 figures at $64.8m and recording a $48.9m in proceeds.
Which was slightly up from 2022 with $63.1m in revenue and a $47.3m profit.
The recent ARMP report also showed they generated $47.7m from players during October 2024 and May 2025 – with the total returns for players over this same period $37m in jackpot winnings over $1,200.
However, despite these staggering figures – they are not the highest they’ve been.
At its peak, the ARMP raised over $100m back in 2017 based on a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) – but money has decreased since.
With some suggesting this being due to the ‘movement and reductions in force and installations.’
Neil Gumbs – the general manager, Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) Installation Management Command (IMCOM) has recently said “Things began to grow again after 2020. This was partly a boost from Covid-19 boredom, along with “renewed investment in new equipment and cost/expense reductions aided in increasing entertainment on offer”
South Korea Army Base Called ‘Morning Calm’ Brings In The Most Revenue
Top of the tree, when it comes to slot machine revenue on the US army bases is one in South Korea.
On the Camp Humphreys Army base in South Korea, the ARMP said the popular betting site nicknamed ‘The Land Of The Morning Calm’ brought in much bigger figures than other Army base locations.
With over $6m reported from October 2024 to May 2025 – with the next best the Camp Butler/Foster base in Japan – called ‘Ocean Breeze’.
ARMP Affiliated With The National Council on Problem Gambling
With the high number of Army slots around the US bases – this also raises the question about problem gambling and how the forces are dealing with this issue too.
But the ARMP has responded here by saying they are affiliated with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – and actively promote responsible gambling.
They go onto say that all gaming locations and slot machines showcase the national gambling hotline number – with the ARMP, however, only becoming a member in June 2025.
The tracking of each machine and the payouts is also a big part of the reporting at ARMP too – showing which slot machines the army officers play the most and the total revenue each one brings in.
It said that a machine called ’88 Fortunes’, which is a well-played progressive jackpot game motivated by Asian culture – is one of the most popular, with more than $3m generated between October 2024 and May 2025.
They also said that not all ARMP money from these slots comes from active service members – with locals, retired servicemen and women, plus contractors working at the bases are also able to use them.
Where Does The Money Go?
The ARMP’s money generated from these US Army base gambling sites go back into each branch’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
This will pay for things like entertainment on the bases – including bowling alleys, libraries and golf courses.
Slots Banned At US Bases In The Past
The history of US slots on their bases dates back to 1951 – with Congress banning them on all domestic bases that year.
They were also taken away from overseas locations in the 1970’s – but when soldiers starting going off base to gamble – they were brought back in the 1980’s.
