Gambling linked to Mental Issues in Seniors
12 Jul 2005
The current edition of 50-plus Online Magazine reveals that according to a recent study made by McNeilly and Burke, people 50+ (women in particular), are the fastest growing segment of the gambling population.
For some, its just fun, plain and simple. But sometimes, the report states, gambling seems to be a way to ease feelings of isolation, loneliness or boredom. Older adults make up the largest age group of annual visitors to Las Vegas and have become a significant segment of the population who frequent riverboats and Indian reservations to gamble as well.
50-plus Online Magazine says this information is readily available to the powers that be in the gaming industry and they use it to their advantage. It's a well known fact --Older adults have two characteristics that make them attractive -- time, and for many, accumulated wealth. To lure older adults, casinos often provide big band music, champagne fountains and free shrimp cocktails. The casinos staff is trained to be friendly and especially accommodating to older citizens. And those buffets are hard to resist.
For those gambling, thats all well and good when things are going well. However problems can occur when losses are more than anticipated. More time and attention are needed as the gambler attempts to win back what he or she has lost. This can lead to selling possessions or property or risky high interest loans to cover expenses. 50-plus Online Magazine reports that according to a Forbes magazine article, Americans lose more money gambling each year than they spend on movie tickets, theme parks, spectator sports and video games combined. Incredible
