Sunday, March 25, 2007

There's good news for seniors who may have a gambling problem. A free
national helpline offers information and resources. When it comes to
gambling, the stakes for many seniors may be higher than they suspect. The
number of seniors who gamble has grown; in fact, seniors have become one of
the fastestgrowing groups of gamblers. A recent study found that gambling is
the most frequently identified social activity among adults over 65. Some
gaming venues provide bus transportation, free or discounted meals, special
rewards and other prizes that attract older individuals. Playing slot
machines tends to be the gambling seniors prefer at casinos, but seniors may
also be found at racetracks, offtrack betting parlors, bingo games or
purchasing lotto tickets. Gambling for many seniors is a social activity
that affords them an opportunity for excitement in safe, friendly
surroundings. However, experts say that seniors are often more vulnerable to
gambling. They may use the distraction of gambling to escape the loss of a
spouse or a medical concern. The attention of the casino staff may
temporarily reduce feelings of loneliness or depression. Some may have
financial problems they are hoping to overcome. Some seniors may have
difficulty understanding that, for them, gambling may be a problem. They may
be overspending and neglecting their nutrition, lack funds for medication
and other medical needs or have less working years left to recoup the
financial losses due to gambling. Other seniors may have limited finances
and are looking for that big win to pad their retirement. It is not unusual
for seniors with gambling concerns to be too embarrassed to not seek help.
In some cases, things can spiral out of control quickly. One woman recently
told experts that over a period of five and a half years, she had embezzled
more than $250,000. Being a grandmother didn't prevent her from being
charged with five felony counts and serving more than a year in prison.