Gambling A Growing Problem Among Seniors

How to Recognize and Help Seniors with Gambling Addiction

Many people who enjoy gambling can take or leave it. They may occasionally visit a casino, buy a lottery ticket, bet on a football game, play bingo, or enter a Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes. Other people become obsessed with gambling and that’s when it becomes a problem. By the most basic definition, people with a gambling addiction are those who risk more than they can afford to lose. And with the rise of casinos across the country, and bigger and bigger lottery prizes, many people are becoming addicted, including seniors. In fact, gambling addiction among seniors is rapidly on the rise.

Among senior citizens, gambling has become a primary social outlet — more so than outings to museums, libraries, and zoos, according to one survey of activity directors from senior centers, assisted-care retirement centers, nursing homes, and church groups.

Casino visitation rates among the elderly are surprisingly high, with 28 percent of people aged 65 and older reporting having gone to a casino in 2012, and 36 percent of those between ages 50 and 64 reporting having done so, according to the American Gaming Association’s 2013 Survey of Casino Entertainment. University of Pennsylvania researcher David Oslin told Psychology Today that his research revealed that 70 percent of those 65 or older said they had gambled in the previous year — with nearly 10 percent admitting to gambling away more than they could afford to lose.

 

Why Seniors May be Vulnerable to Gambling Problems

There are a number of reasons why seniors may be vulnerable to gambling problems. Senior citizens are often catered to by casinos, with bus transportation, free or discounted meals, special rewards and other prizes that attract older individuals. Gambling may provide a distraction to escape the loss of a spouse or a medical concern. Some may have financial problems they are seeking to overcome. The attention of casino staff may reduce feelings of loneliness. Cognitive impairment may prevent the recognition of a gambling problem. Seniors may not understand addiction and be reluctant to seek help.

It’s easy for friends and families to overlook an older person’s out-of-control gambling. In many cases, adult children don’t know how their parents spend their time or money and don’t realize the scope of the problem until they help them pay bills or balance a checkbook.

 

Signs of a Gambling Problem

The signs of a gambling problem may be subtle, but there are some red flags to watch for. An older person who constantly talks about gambling wins but rarely mentions losses may be at risk, and family members should worry when gambling starts to replace long-cherished activities.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, any of the following traits can also signal a gambling problem.
Compulsive gamblers will display five or more of these characteristics, but even one or two of these signs may be a signal that help is needed.

• Being preoccupied with gambling
  (e.g., spending all one’s time reminiscing about past gambling experiences, planning the next outing, or thinking about ways to get gambling money)
• Having to increase the stakes to maintain excitement
• Repeatedly failing to stop or cut back on gambling
• Becoming irritable when trying to cut back on gambling
• Using gambling as an escape from feelings of anxiety and depression
• Gambling to make up for recent losses (“chasing” one’s losses)
• Lying to hide gambling activities
• Resorting to illegal acts such as forgery or fraud to finance gambling
• Risking or losing a relationship or job because of gambling
• Borrowing money from others to make up for gambling losses

 

What to Do if a Senior Shows Signs of Complusive Gambling

If you know a senior who shows signs of compulsive gambling, talk to him or her about the problem. Many older people manage to cut back or quit gambling on their own once they recognize the situation.

Others need expert help. One-on-one therapy with a psychologist or other professional is often the best treatment for seniors with gambling problems. A therapist can not only help treat the compulsion, but also address any underlying anxiety or depression. Group therapy, such as the 12-step program offered by Gambler’s Anonymous, can be highly effective as well.

For a wealth of information on gambling problems and for a list of local support groups, visit Gambler’s Anonymous at gamblersanonymous.org.

 

BLOG Date: Friday, September 18, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen