Facts
Older adults who are going through major life transitions such as retirement, loss of a loved one, moving, or health problems may be particularly vulnerable.
Older adults are a major target for marketers of gambling and account for a substantial portion of the money spent on gambling in the United States each year.
- Many senior gamblers are on fixed incomes and more vulnerable to financial devastation than younger gamblers.
- Older adult problem gamblers are less willing to seek timely help for addiction.
- Surveys indicate casino outings are the most popular type of day trip for retired Americans. Bingo outings are another popular activity.
- Many older adults are gambling without being educated about the risks and resources available.
- As people reach retirement, vulnerability toward compulsive behavior intensifies.
- Older adults now form the largest group of annual visitors to Las Vegas.
- 65% of the $3.7 billion hauled in by Atlantic City casinos in 1997 came from the pockets of people age 60+.
- Between 1975 and 1998, the age group 65+ experienced the greatest increase in gambling, both for lifetime (from 35% to 80%) and for past-year (from 23% to 50%).
- Some older adults may have cognitive impairment that interferes with
- their ability to make sound decisions.
Reasons to Gamble
- Opportunity and Availability – Casinos and lottery are legal in Missouri; some form of gambling is accessible to the majority of older adults, regardless of where they live.
- Boredom – Abundance of leisure time with limited availability of social activities or finances.
- Loneliness – Following loss of a loved one, lack of visitors, geographic separation, etc.
- Escape – Gambling can provide a temporary escape from reality.
- Excitement/Social Interaction – Many older adults find gambling exciting at a time in life when opportunities for excitement may be limited.
- Perception of Easy Money – Some view gambling as a possible means of supplementing retirement income.
- Perceived as a Safe Place – Security guards are on duty during casino operating hours.
Signs of Problem Gambling
- Progressive preoccupation with gambling (gambling more often, with more money, for longer periods of time).
- Talks only about wins, not losses; hides gambling losses; chases losses.
- Lies about gambling – directly or by omission.
- Gambles as a means to cope – to escape worries, frustrations or disappointments.
- Neglect of personal needs, such as food, utilities or medical assistance – unable to meet living expenses that were previously met.
- Bored when not gambling; loss of interest/participation in normal activities with family and friends.
- Gambles alone.
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Changes in attitude and personality.
- Borrowing from family/friends.
- Unexplained absence of household and personal items.
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling.
- Withdrawal/depression, decline in health – can be due to loss of self-esteem and elevated stress from loss of savings/security for retirement.
Preferred Games
- Bingo
- Pull tabs
- Scratch-offs
- Lottery
- Slots
- Raffles
Tips for Responsible Gambling
- Gamble for fun.
- Think of the money you lose as the cost of entertainment.
- Set a dollar limit and stick to it.
- Set up a time limit and stick to it.
- Accept losing as part of the game.
- Don't borrow money to gamble.
- Don't let gambling interfere with family, friends, or work.
- Don't gamble to win back losses.
- Don't use gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
- Know the warning signs of problem gambling.