Recognizing the Hidden Dangers of Gambling Addiction During National Senior Independence Month

As we celebrate National Senior Independence Month in February, it’s crucial to shed light on a growing concern affecting our elderly population: problem gambling. While gambling can be an enjoyable pastime for many seniors, it can also lead to devastating consequences when it becomes an addiction.

We appreciate those who provide care for the elderly, acknowledging the challenges and stress involved, whether they are professional caregivers or family members. While the relationship between caregivers and seniors can be mutually beneficial, the introduction of problem gambling can have devastating consequences for all involved.

Why Older Adults Choose to Gamble

Seniors may turn to gambling for various reasons, including loneliness, boredom, depression, grief, retirement adjustment, and limited income. Some report that gambling alleviates physical pain, which is attributed to the release of dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline during gambling activities, blocking pain and producing pleasurable sensations.

Research indicates that many seniors view gambling as entertainment and a social outlet. However, for those developing gambling problems, it can lead to isolation. Seniors typically prefer gambling in casinos, where they feel safe and comfortable, rather than online or on mobile devices. The silent nature of gambling addiction makes it difficult for friends and family to detect problems until significant harm has occurred. When gambling becomes problematic for seniors, it’s particularly challenging as recouping financial losses at this stage of life can be nearly impossible.

There are two aspects to consider: seniors who gamble and caregivers with gambling problems. Both scenarios can lead to issues. Regarding caregivers, whether professional or family members, seniors can be vulnerable to financial exploitation. Seniors may hesitate to refuse requests for money to avoid conflict or to please others. While not all caregivers have gambling problems, those who do may exhibit personality changes, leading to dishonesty, manipulation, or theft.

To protect seniors in your life, consider the following:

• Avoid giving anyone complete control over their finances.
• If you’ve hired a caregiver, monitor their activities and financial involvement with the senior.
• Be aware that a caregiver with a gambling problem may take the senior to casinos under the guise of an “outing” and request to use their money for gambling.
• Regularly review the senior’s financial accounts to track expenditures.
• Maintain open communication with the senior about their activities and any financial transactions with the caregiver.
• Stay actively involved in the senior’s life.

By remaining vigilant and informed, we can better protect our seniors from the potential dangers of problem gambling, whether it affects them directly or through their caregivers.

Recognizing the Signs of Problem Gambling

It’s essential for seniors, their loved ones, and caregivers to be aware of the warning signs of gambling addiction:

• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Lying about gambling activities or hiding evidence
• Neglecting personal care, relationships, or responsibilities
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
• Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins and losses

Not sure? The gamblinghelp.org website offers free screening tools to help determine if gambling may be a problem for you or a loved one. The older adult gamblers screening tool can be found at: https://gamblinghelp.org/seniors-impacted-by-problem-gambling/. The loved ones screening tool can be found here: https://gamblinghelp.org/loved-ones-impacted-by-problem-gambling/.

Help is Available: Call or Text 888-ADMIT-IT

If you or a senior you know is struggling with gambling addiction, remember that help is always available. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) operates the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine, providing free, confidential, and multilingual support 24/7.

By calling or texting 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848), you can access:

• FCCG’s Online Program for Problem Gamblers (OPPG)
• FCCG’s Peer Connect Program
• FCCG’s A Chance for Change Recovery Workbooks for Older Adult Gamblers
• FCCG’s A Chance for Change Recovery Workbooks for Loved Ones
• FCCG’s Financial Debt & Budgeting Toolkit
• FCCG’s Website – Older Adult Online Assessment
• FCCG’s Literature/Materials for Senior Gamblers, their Loved ones, and Senior Service Provider Professionals & Caregiver Organizations
• Senior Specific Mental Health Services Hotlines – Non-Gambling Specific
• Senior Specific Scam/Fraud Protection Resources
• Seniors First Guardianship Program
• Senior Specific Food Banks & Meal Programs
• Seniors First In-Home Care Program
• Seniors First Medical Equipment Program
• Seniors First Transportation Program
• Senior Specific Employment Assistance Resources
• Senior Specific Other Alternative Self-Help Support Groups – For Seniors & Loved Ones of Seniors
• Senior Specific Outreach Wellness Programs & Other Alternative Activities – for Seniors with Parkinson’s & Other Movement Disorders
• And much more!

This National Senior Independence Month, let’s empower our seniors and their caregivers with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves from the hidden dangers of gambling addiction. Remember, it’s never too late to seek help and reclaim control over your life or the life of a loved one. Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT today – because your independence and well-being matter.