Gambling & Senior Citizens

Life-changing factors, such as retirement or the death of a spouse, make the elderly vulnerable to problem gambling. Althought the elderly represent only a small percentage of compulsive gamblers, this number is increasing. ("The Marketing of Gambling to the Elderly" by Erika Gosker, The Elder Law Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1, 1999, p. 199)

The retired and senior citizens have money and time on their hands. Gambling, which was seen as "forbidden fruit" when it was illegal, is suddenly the only "entertainment" option or social event for many who are lonely or bored.

"Casinos are trying harder than ever to attract retirees: Some are dispatching buses to senior centers or vans to trailer parks--and timing their offers for free rides to coincide with the arrival of monthy Social Security checks. Some are staging midday entertainment to suit elderly tastes. Casinos are also using direct mailings to entice seniors with stipends to play slot machines or offering discounts for food, drinks or lodging." ("More and More Seniors Losing Savings to Casinos Gambling", Washington Post, July 19, 2001)

Several senior care centers are now considering discontinuing the bus trips to casinos because of their concern about elderly gambling addiction and about seniors in the early stages of dementia making unsound spending decisions. (The Capital Times, 9/20/00)

Some senior citizens on fixed incomes are playing slot machines instead of buying food or medications.

Gambling is hazardous to your health and your wealth!