Senior Gamblers Risk Gambling Addiction and Bankruptcy
10 May 2005
With more and more opportunities to gamble, senior citizens run the risk of losing their savings. Seniors who had never gambled before retirement find the sudden free time coupled with the availability of casinos, lotteries, online casinos, and bingo halls to be a recipe for disaster.
70% of retirees reported having gambled in the past year. Pensioners often go to casinos for social reasons, to enjoy the low-cost buffets, and simply, to have somewhere to go. Though many are not heavy gamblers, playing low-cost games and generally enjoying the casino environment, some are thrill seekers, constantly looking for a big win, and often finding big losses.
Many seniors experience symptoms of problem gambling, marked, according to Gambler’s Anonymous, by an inability to accept reality, and a descent into the dream world of gambling. Problem gamblers often have a constant desire to make some kind of financial dream come true. The players often have fantasies of enjoying tangible pleasures, but find that no win is enough to satisfy their fantasies. As a result, they never enjoy their wins, but always need another, bigger win.
Many problem gamblers feel uncomfortable, like they don’t belong. This aspect of the gambling problem is a significant danger zone for retirees, who often feel that they have been “put out to pasture.” When they are in the casino, they often feel comfortable and safe, especially because casinos do their utmost to make gamblers feel welcome, giving free drinks, hotel rooms, even limousine services to seniors.
One reason that seniors present an area of special concern is that they do not have working years left in which to replace the lost funds. If you suspect that a senior family member has a gambling problem, be sure to find out more at http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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