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These days in Sonoma County we are talking a great deal about legalized gambling with the threat of more casinos being built. In June Council on Aging sponsored an American Society on Aging Training on “Problem Gambling and Older Adults”, where I learned a great deal more about a problem I already knew existed.
Americans gamble more each year than they spend on groceries, spending 600 billion dollars annually. Older adults form the largest group of annual visitors to Las Vegas and spend the majority of gambling dollars. According to the Gambling Impact and Behavior Study, 1999, between 1975 and 1998, the over 65 age group experienced the greatest increase in gambling.
Back in 1975 there were only 14 states where you could participate in legalized gambling, now in 2007 there are 42 states where gambling in legalized. Problem gambling among older adults has devastating results on lives, including loss of a lifetime of saved income, and suicide.
Older adults are particularly at risk for becoming problem gamblers. They are targeted by the gambling industry as a large consumer group; they have increased free time, accumulated wealth, which is compounded with social isolation. Other risk factors include pressure from friends to gamble, desire for sociability, changes in social roles, need for more money, proximity to gambling venues, and attractive and alluring incentives (e.g., free drinks and meals).
Gambling provides acceptance, inclusion, excitement, entertainment and an answer to boredom. For many older adults gambling is a way to escape problems, such as poor health, depression or anxiety disorders and loss of a spouse or partner. Problem gamblers are often trying to seek control in an uncontrollable environment. They are five to ten times more likely to attempt suicide.
Problem gambling leads to psychological, social, financial and societal problems. It is a hidden addiction because of the lack of physical symptoms. Problem gamblers are not addicted to a substance, but rather to an “action” and the excitement associated with that action. Compared to younger problem gamblers, older problem gamblers are more likely to suffer economic losses from which they can’t easily recover due to their fixed incomes and retirement.
An Attorney General’s Report in California sited that there are over 1.5 million adults and minors who have gambling addictions and there was a 25% increase in older adult calls to gambling hotlines between 1999-2003.
Gambling refers to any game of chance or skill that involves financial risk including the Lottery, casino games, racetrack betting, sports betting, card rooms, raffles, stock market and internet gambling.
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| I’d like to add a comment about the tribal casinos. In my opinion we cannot do enough to make amends for the horrific genocide and land theft that took place against the Native Americans through the US government and states since the 1600’s. However, to provide a plan of redemption on the backs of other vulnerable populations is not the answer. Moreover, the tribes actually get very little return. The Nevada gambling interests get the bulk of the profits from the casinos.
Instead, we need positive federal legislation that would provide education, business opportunities and comprehensive health programs to assist the tribes, such as no interest business loans and scholarships to State Universities for Native American youth. Unfortunately until there is a politician in Washington with the backbone to take on the lucrative gaming industry, we will see more casinos go in.
On a personal note, I do understand that there is an excitement and an element of fun to gambling that has the potential of pulling all of us in. I’ve only bought one Lotto ticket in my life, but the few times I’ve played poker for dollars with a group of men, I have tended to win. Call it luck or skill, but I admit it was fun. However, I also have a profound moral belief that we are all stewards of our material resources and that legalized gambling preys on our weaknesses and desire to strike it rich without the effort of work. |
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| Thank you for the article on gambling. It isn't just the seniors who are victimized. Huge amounts are wasted by people who have children who need good food and care. The profits aren't for the Indians, but for the mob. The Indians have sold out. The cities have sold out. The public protection agencies have sold out. Unfortunately, it's true that when a person wins, they immediately forget all the times that they lost and go back to try to win again and you can believe that the mob knows it. |
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| I have mixed feelings on this issue but I greatly appreciate your courage in speaking out and taking strong stands on behalf of seniors on this issue and so many others. Thank you so much on behalf of seniors, caregivers, and those who care. |
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