A growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. The FCCG offers special programs for seniors and elder providers. 

Gambling among older adults is on the rise, largely due to the availability and accessibility of options in the state.   When gambling becomes a problem among seniors, it can be particularly challenging since it occurs at a time in a person’s life when recouping financial losses can be very difficult, if not impossible.

Florida has a larger proportion of residents over the age of 50 and a higher percentage of persons that are widowed, in comparison to other states. Presently, the opportunities for elders to gamble are virtually endless, and those who aren't able to travel to gambling establishments can participate without ever leaving their home via a computer and the Internet. 

For many seniors, gambling is an escape from boredom brought about by an increase of unstructured time after retirement, or following the death of a spouse or other loved one. For many, their social network may not be large enough to draw the necessary support. By 2020, there will be approximately 15 million Americans ages 65 and older living alone. As a result, many elders may turn to gambling, not only as a social and entertainment activity, but also as a means of trying to deal with the loss, the grief, and the time. However, gambling is not a risk-free activity, particularly among this population.

WARNING SIGNS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

To see if you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties due to the presence of a gambling problem, review the following warning signs or Take the Test:

• Preoccupation with gambling
• Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling
• Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling
• Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill
• Betting more than planned
• Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling
• Communicating a sudden need for money or loans
• Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits
• Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression
• Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 
• Pawning or selling personal items
• Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble
• Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

If you answered “yes” to one or more questions, call the FCCG HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT to determine whether receiving additional information or supports might prove beneficial to you and/or a loved one.

WHAT DOES PREVALENCE RESEARCH IN FLORIDA AMONG OLDER ADULTS SHOW?

In 1998, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission reported to the President and Congress that the most substantial increase in gambling was among those over 65 years old.  Here in Florida, where the elder population is higher than most, a 2003 study, sponsored by the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, revealed that among residents ages 55 and older, 25% gamble weekly, 40% have gambled in the past year, and 92% have placed a bet at some point during the course of their life (Volberg, 2003). The study further concluded that one out of every 20 report having a problem due to gambling (2.9% problem/pathological and 11.7% at-risk).

Additional specifics follow:

• Past year problem gambling prevalence rates are highest among elder men, African-Americans, Hispanics, divorced and separated individuals, and those working part-time.
  
  
• The top five reasons cited for gambling by non-problem and problem gamblers include entertainment or fun, to win money, excitement or challenge, to support good causes, and inexpensive entertainment.  However, senior problem gamblers are much more likely than non-problem gamblers to believe that excitement or challenge, distraction, and escaping from feelings are important reasons for gambling.
  
  
• The four primary forms of gambling cited among older adult problem gamblers are horse, dog and Jai-Alai; casino wagering; private betting; and bingo.
  
  
• Senior problem gamblers are more likely to gamble weekly/daily than 18-54 year olds or persons 74+, to gamble monthly/weekly at casinos, to consume alcohol weekly or more often, to use non-prescription drugs once a month or more, to rate their health as only fair or poor, to experience death of someone close in past year, and to be depressed.

WHAT MAKES SENIORS PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE?

There are several factors that contribute to why seniors are particularly vulnerable when confronting gambling related difficulties. The ones most often identified include the following:

• Onset of retirement and unstructured time
• Loss of family members and other supports
• Memory challenges
• Physical limitations
• Lack of alternative activities
• Feelings of isolation
• Inability to recover financial losses
• Marketing by gambling industry
• Recreational offerings by senior centers and other organization outings

Absence of screening for gambling pathology among elders by medical and health care service providers is especially problematic.

WHAT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO OLDER ADULTS AND OTHERS?

For many years, the FCCG has played an instrumental role in convening experts within the elder service community to address issues related to senior gambling.  In addition to a national think tank, prevalence study, and other research initiatives undertaken by the FCCG, in cooperation with others, the Agency developed its Playing it Safe toolkit, which is a free educational and instructional packet that enables senior service providers to present the topic of gambling and older adults effectively and creatively.  To review and obtain copies of studies or to learn more about the toolkit’s contents, as well as other materials geared toward seniors, view our Resources section.

KEEPING GAMBLING RECREATIONAL AMONG SENIORS

Adhering to the following 10 points can enable seniors to gamble recreationally:

1.     Know how much money one can afford to spend/lose

2.     Do not gamble on credit

3.     Use cash sources at gambling establishment

4.     Avoid chasing lost money and treat wins as a bonus

5.     Set a time limit to gamble and use a “buddy system”

6.     Accept loss as part of the game and understand that past results do not predict

        future outcomes

7.     Balance time, money and energy

8.     Don’t substitute gambling for other activities

9.     Don’t gamble to solve problems

10.  Take a break (e.g. eat, watch a show, take a walk, etc.)