older adults gambling fact sheet 

elderly gambling

Seniors are especially vulnerable to become escape gamblers when several factors come together:

• Acceptability – Much of the stigma that once surrounded gambling is now gone, especially for women. Community groups take casino trips often. Lottery tickets are sold everywhere. Casinos market themselves as a fun, exciting and safe entertainment alternative. In short, there is much less stigma attached to saying you are engaged in gambling activities.

• Accessibility – Most seniors don’t have to drive far to find a place or a means to gamble. And for those who do, there are bus trips and other gambling packages that make it convenient and affordable.

• Lack of knowledge – Most seniors don’t have enough information about addiction to assess the risks. Those providing gambling opportunities are not likely to educate them. As with any addictive behavior, education is often a tremendous deterrent, but in this case, it is not readily available.

• Life factors – A number of things may have happened in the person’s life, making them more vulnerable to the anesthetizing quality of escape gambling:

  • Boredom

  • Abuse

  • Loneliness

  • Grief

  • Relocation

  • Stress

  • Depression

  • Isolation

  • Chronic pain

  • Lack of identity

  • Fear of death

  • Health problems

  • Loss of income/home

  • Loss of a loved one

why do seniors gamble?

• Entertainment – Gambling is fun and allows for escape from worries for awhile.

• Limited options – for socializing due to availability or physical restraints

• High disposable income – losing for some will not cause financial burden but repeated losses can quickly deplete large sums of money or create huge debts.

• “The Big Win” – Lower income seniors chase the possibility of winning big and being set for life.

• Opportunities/availability – Gambling venues have increased tremendously with the casinos and lotteries. In addition, the internet also provides another alternative for seniors who can’t leave home.

• Changing cultural values – Gambling was once sinful and immoral. Now it is promoted as safe, fun and wholesome entertainment.

• Boredom/loneliness – Many seniors have too much time on their hands when they retire or lose a spouse. Gambling fills the void.

• Casino hospitality – Treat seniors as valued guests and with respect. Casinos are very user friendly.

• Peer pressure – Everyone else is doing it. What harm can it be? Not rational thinking.

• Perceived as safe – Guards on duty 24 hours a day, well lit areas make seniors feel safe.

• Excitement – Glitz and glamour of casino life can be exhilarating for seniors who have never experienced that kind of life.

get help 

Information provided by the Illinois Department on Aging.