My stance on this issue of soldiers gambling in camp or barracks as it may be called is beginning to change. Especially on the fact that these soldiers will be gambling with their own money, bear the losses alone and not be able to claim the profits from winning. I have seen these gambling from the angle of entertainment for the soldiers, but now I am beginning to get a clearer picture of the whole situation...and yea you are right, that's stealing. But the soldiers still have the choice to make, if they want to gamble or not.
If the money generated from gaming soldiers is used to support their wards and family in the barracks or improve facilities and artilleries it won't considered a complete waste for the heads in charge of the business. The soldiers lose money directly while the military win indirectly. They could support themselves this way, if things get well organized and coordinated regarding the organisers. Also, the soldiers should be made aware of the harsh effect of addiction .
The soldiers have already done enough by risking their lives to protect the nation. It is the duty of the nation whom they protect to provide all that is neccessary to ensure peace and order. Encouraging these same soldiers to gamble with their own money just to provide what the government is supposed to provide effortlessly is stealing in disguise. In some sane countries, all or part of the income of certain soldiers are even exempted from tax as a form of compensation or motivation for what they do. You can imagine a soldier gambling and paying tax at the same time.