Last Up Dated on: June 13, 2007
Seniors and Gambling
(John Crawford, Ph.D., CSA.
V.P, Education, Canadian Academy of Senior Advisors Inc. – adapted from
“Expressions” Vol. 19, No.4, Bulletin of the National Advisory Council on
Aging, Ottawa, Ont.)
Gambling
has increasingly become a form of recreation for older adults. In 2000,
approximately 68% of Canadian seniors engaged in this activity.1
Among those aged 60 or older, 2.1% have moderate to severe
gambling-related problems.2
The
legalization of gaming establishments, increased access, social acceptance
and disposable time and money have rendered seniors more susceptible to
the "roll of the dice." Targeted because of the tremendous market they
represent for the gaming industry, seniors are becoming victims of
tempting incentive campaigns involving anything from cheap transportation
to special promotions and free lunches.
The most
common gambling activities among older adults include the purchase of
lottery and scratch tickets, and playing video lottery terminals, slot
machines and bingo. Seniors gamble for a variety of reasons -- for fun, to
make money, out of curiosity, or to escape from loneliness, depression,
financial difficulties, declining health and emotional loss.
Why
Seniors Are More Vulnerable:
Seniors
are often more vulnerable to gambling addiction because of a number of
life factors. For example, they may seek to mask the pain associated with
losing a spouse, they may be lonely or depressed or they may be facing
financial or health problems. These factors can predispose the senior to
the hypnotic, anaesthetizing effect of gambling.
Gambling
is also much more
acceptable and accessible
now than
it was a few decades ago. No longer a shady, illegal activity conducted in
back rooms, it is now a legitimate form of recreation and entertainment.
Lotteries pump dollars into government revenues for education, sports,
health care. Casinos pay taxes that improve roads, support schools and
promote tourism. No one ever has to go far to find another opportunity to
gamble, whether it is a lottery, a casino or a horse-racing track.
Internet gambling via poker sites is readily available; and as this trend
becomes more widespread with the inclusion of other ‘gaming sports’,
seniors will be able to pursue their gambling interests “in the comfort of
their own homes’.
Losing
money and more
While
most people can enjoy gambling without consequences, the lure of quick
money can have devastating financial effects on seniors because they have
little or no opportunity to recuperate from their losses. In southern
Alberta, for example, it was reported that video lottery terminals and
casino gambling are partly to blame for the 15% bankruptcy rate among
seniors.3
Similar to substance addictions, gambling may start out innocently as a
social engagement, but for some people can progress into an independent
activity, then into a habit, a secret, a loss of control and finally, an
addiction "crisis."
Among
older gamblers who file for personal bankruptcy, many view their problem
as a financial issue rather than one of addiction and therefore do not
seek the help they need. Compulsive or pathological gambling
extends beyond losing money -- the disorder interferes with normal
life activities and responsibilities, threatens physical health, sabotages
reputations, and leads to psychological distress, possibly suicide.
Though
the reported percentage of seniors with gambling and substance
abuse issues is low, it is important to understand that many hide their
problem due to shame that has resulted from straying from their
deep-seeded cultural values of hard work, frugality and moderation.4
More needs to be learned about seniors and their gambling experience:
research may shed some light on the gaming habits of the next larger group
of seniors to hit casinos, the boomers.
Testimonial:
Billie, 57, started out playing bingo occasionally and making the odd trip
to Las Vegas. She became “hooked” on gambling after a few lucky wins.
But the losses began to accumulate. When Billie hit rock bottom after
losing her last $2,000, she met with a counselor at Problem Gambling
services. After 12 weeks of individual and group therapy, she vowed to
never again experience the horror of feeling like “the lowest of the low,
a betrayer.” A year later, Billie returned to Problem Gambling Services
for a 12 –week aftercare group to help her maintain her progress. She
hasn’t looked back since. (Source: Lemay, A. et al.,2006)
For more
information
Look in
your phone book for the local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Centre or other
organizations helping with addictions. Or start with the resources below:
Ontario
Gambling - The Ontario Problem Gambling Help Line:
1-888-230-3505
Books, etc.
Alcoholics Anonymous. The
Big Book. 2006. Available online:
www.aacanada.com/bb.html 
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Responding to Older Adults with
Substance Use, Mental Health and Gambling Challenges: A Guide for Workers
and Volunteers. Toronto:
Lemay, A. et al. Betting on Older Adults: A Problem Gambling Prevention
Clinical Manual for Service Providers. Sault Area Hospital, St. Joseph's
Care Group, Centretown Community Health Centre, 2006
References:
1.
Hirsch, P., Seniors and Gambling: Exploring the Issues (Summary
Report), Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, 2000.
2.
Responsible Gambling Council; Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse;
Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, 2004.
3.
"More seniors declaring bankruptcy," Lethbridge Herald, 25
February, 2003, p. A1.
4.
"Double Trouble: The lived experience of problem and pathological
gambling in later life," The Journal of Gambling Issues, 14, September
2005.
Stewart
Burk - Knights of Columbus
516
Wellwood Court, Tecumseh, ON, N8N 3E2
Phone:
519-966-9977 email: stewart.burk@kofc.org
