Gambling has become a popular activity for people of many ages and seniors are no exception. Some of the factors that may contribute to seniors’ decision to gamble include:

• Disposable income from retirement
• Desire to supplement retirement income
• Increased opportunity/availability
• Boredom / loneliness
• Limited alternatives for socializing
• Peer pressure

Signs of Senior Problem Gambling

• Loss of interest in normal activities with friends and family
  
• Blocks of time unaccounted for
  
• High priority on gambling and gambling related activities.
  
• Changes in attitude and personality
  
• Sudden need for money/loans
  
• Missing possessions or assets
  
• Neglect of personal needs, i.e. food, utilities, medical, etc.
  
• Secrecy and avoidance or anger when questioned about time and money
  
• Decline in physical health
  

Gambling among older adults is different from gambling in younger age groups for the following reasons:

• People who are coping with significant changes may be more vulnerable to develop a gambling problem. Many older adults face life transitions and losses, such as death of loved ones, end of career, or isolation from family and friends.
  
• Older adults who have lost their retirement savings through problem gambling don’t have working years to make up their losses.
  
• Many older adults may not understand addiction, making them less likely to identify a gambling problem.
  
• Older adults appear less willing to seek assistance for a gambling problem than younger adults.
  
• Many older adults hide their gambling because of the stigma associated with it and health professionals rarely assess for problem gambling.
  
• Many older adults have easy access to gambling and are drawn to gambling to fill their time or to be with other people.
  
• Some older adults may have cognitive impairment that interferes with their ability to make sound decisions.