Did you know that seniors are one of the fastest increasing categories of gamblers? Based on a recent study, gambling was often considered to be the most identified social activity for those who are over the age of 65. It also showed that bingo and casinos taking over movies.
Retirement Can’t be Wasted
Just like the other categories of the population, most seniors do enjoy gambling as a type of entertainment activity. Yet, there are some that it can develop into an addiction which brings about really bad consequences.
Gambling is Very Popular Among Seniors
Older adults are one of the quickest increasing categories of gamblers. There was a study that showed that people who are over the age of 65 had stated that gambling was the most important social activity with bingo and casinos beating shopping, golf, lunch and movies as an activity.
The participation rates for seniors are much higher than ever simply because the senior population as well as the increased access and rapid expansion of legalized gambling. Based on a survey from the American Gaming Association, it stated that the visitation rates from seniors are very high with almost 29% of people who are ages 65 or older being at a casino. According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, almost 70% of those who are over the age of 65 have stated that they went gambling within the last 12 months and 10% of those stating that they gambled more than they could actually afford to lose.
The number of seniors who are gambling is expected to keep increasing as that people over the age of 65 within the United States have been shown to be the fastest growing category. This area is supposed to hit 71 million seniors by 2030, which means 1 in 5 Americans will be seniors.
Casino Marketing Targets Seniors
Casinos market a lot to seniors by providing them with free transportation, discounted of free entertainment and meals, even promotional coupons like player reward cards and even other types of prizes. They even provide seniors with motorized scooters or wheelchairs that help them to be home at the casino.
Gambling Addiction in Seniors
Because many seniors live away from younger family, the addition that they have can stay hidden for a long time. Although, there may be some signs that you can look for in a senior that may have a gambling addiction. An older person may:
- Talk a lot about exciting wins but never talks about how much was lost
- Has sold valuable possessions with unexplained reasons
- Be vague when it comes to describing their activities and days
- Be withdrawn or they are often unavailable
Female Seniors and Gambling Problems
There are studies that show addictions rates are growing for seniors. Baby boomers are moving into retirement and experts believe that the number of gambling addicts will rise and even present a bad socioeconomic issue.
The fastest increasing group of these addicts are female seniors. This is often due to loss of a spouse, as women tend to live longer than men. Compared to men, women will often have a late life onset of gambling and it can reach pretty problematic issues if it is not treated quickly.
Help Is Out There
If you or even someone you know needs help, call the gambling hotline. This hotline is available 24/7 and is able to provide you with confidential and free help with specialized counselors. Treatment is available at no cost for those who have gambling problems.