Seniors are increasingly the target for the fun, excitement, competitiveness, independence and social acceptance of gambling as a positive activity. This is because the “Golden Years” can also involve loneliness, boredom, loss of loved ones, physical illness/pain, retirement and loss of worth, which can all trigger “trips” to gambling venues. About 85% of adults have gambled and the numbers for them and specifically seniors are growing daily. Most seniors are “escape” gamblers and gravitate toward slot machines, bingo, raffles and the lottery because they want to escape or distract themselves. By contrast, “action” gamblers prefer cards, horse racing and sports betting. For some seniors, Casino “gaming” is a viewed as a safe, entertaining place where transportation is often provided and food is cheap. Unfortunately for those seniors, retirement can be lonely and boring but gambling provides an escape into a social, happy, albeit artificial world.

To differentiate among gamblers, most social gamblers risk money or something of value but don't invest much time or money into the game whether they win or lose. Problem gamblers, on the other hand, spend considerable time and money on gambling even as they experience negative emotional and financial consequences. Pathological or compulsive gamblers have a loss of control over gambling, irrational thinking, depression, denial and continuation of the behavior despite serious adverse consequences. The pathological gambler often experiences financial problems, obtains money illegally, looses social and familial support and may feel suicidal. Since1980, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have classified Pathological Gambling as an Impulse Control Disorder. Treatment requires knowledge of addiction, plus how to deal with behavioral patterns similar to treating an impulsive adolescent, or a distracted senior. More than 1.5 million youth and adults in California are considered problem and pathological gamblers (California Research Bureau, 2006). “Problem gamblers affect eight to ten other people in their lives (Lobsinger & Beckett, 1996) and need our help as much as the families of any addict or mentally ill person. Spouses and family members often have their own psychological problems, believe the gambler is having an affair or is a mythomaniac because of their lying and deceit.” (Lange, 07) Casino visits comprise the most common form of “legal” gambling, but there are many other forms of “illegal” gambling including family or college-dorm poker, sports betting, office pools, cards, and even stock market trading. California gaming has now surpassed Nevada gaming according to the California Research Bureau (2006).

Many seniors live on a limited budget, while others may have disposable income. Their gambling losses make them highly vulnerable to the consequences of irregular eating, off-schedule medication, insomnia, embarrassment, guilt, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lowering of self-esteem. Positive, social and active lifestyles do not come from heavy losses at blackjack or the slots. The writing of bad checks, even for “little ole' ladies” is the most common illegal act of problem gamblers. Since some elderly are lonely or isolated, they may be particularly vulnerable to aggressive marketing. Gambling, like alcohol, drugs and other disorders, may be influenced by tendencies of addictive behaviors in one's family of origin. Different brains react differently to stress and happiness. We love pleasant activities or feelings and the brain releases more Dopamine to reduce stress and increase pleasure-full feelings like any other addiction. Seniors need to remain active, eat nutritiously, and stay involved with supportive family and friends. Contrary to the myths of aging, seniors are generally healthy, maintain their intelligence, make sound judgments and are able to problem solve effectively. Less than 20% of seniors have memory impairment or need assistance with daily activities (Machemer, 1997). A positive attitude, a support system and a healthy self-esteem greatly enhance successful aging. Regrettably, gambling like other addictions is no respecter of age or economic status, and innocent gambling can lead to out-of-control problem gambling.

The understanding and use of effective treatment techniques is limited but growing. The pathological gambler is in denial and often resists entering treatment until serious consequences have occurred. Part of the irrational thought of the gambler is that the “big win” is right around the corner. Loan me the money! The problem gambler progresses through three phases over time: winning, losing and desperation. The gambling “triggers” are everywhere including the raffles, lotteries, sporting events, office pools, computer/hand-held games, legal and illegal wagering as well as countless options on the Internet. Depression, anxiety, familial problems or aging are also common triggers, especially for the escape gambler. Counseling and treatment help the senior to identify and avoid the gambling triggers and choose healthier alternatives. The loss of control, the craving, and the persistence of gambling despite severe negative consequences is difficult to treat, but with help there is hope. “Treatment of both problem gamblers and their families is what I call “Addiction Plus”. As therapists, we need to use all that we know about addiction, plus employ treatment techniques for impulsive and comorbid disorders.” (Lange, 07) Often the first clients to seek treatment are the family members who can no longer cope with the financial and emotional devastation. Families may notice blocks of time unaccounted for, missing possessions or assets, loss of interest in normal activities with family or friends, lying or secrecy. Crisis management and problem solving skills are crucial for gambling families. Rebuilding trust and communication become crucial components of recovery.

In addition to psychotherapy, Gamblers Anonymous (GA) for the compulsive gambler and GamAnon for the family are wonderful adjunctive programs. Both groups provide a support system that clearly understands the problem and offers paths to freedom and serenity. Since emotional and money management issues are top priorities, it is crucial that treating therapists know local resources that can help. Training through the California Council on Problem Gambling is available to assist therapists in counseling the growing number of senior and other problem gamblers. Therapists have traditionally included questions concerning the use of alcohol and drug usage in their initial interview. Gambling activity questions also need to be included in all assessments. Since intense resentment and suicidal thoughts are common, therapists need to monitor for the client's and their families' safety. Helping clients learn coping mechanisms, meditation, self-care, and substituting pleasurable activities are all part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Gambling can be fun, social and entertaining for seniors at any hour of the day or night. Unfortunately, gambling can also become a devastating problem which can in turn prevent seniors from maintaining successful relationships and happiness in their golden years.

References
California Research Bureau, (2006) Gambling in the Golden State: 1998 Forward, 5/31/2006

Lange, Gary (2007) Liar, Liar, Money's on Fire: Treating Pathological Gamblers and Their Families, “The National Psychologist”, Sep/Oct, 2007, p. 16

Lobsinger, C., & Beckett, L., (1966) Odds on the break even: A practical approach to gambling awareness, Canberra: Relationships Australia, Inc.

Machemer, Jr., Richard H., Editor (1997) Training Program in Aging and Developmentally Disabled, Strong Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York

Gary Lange, Ph.D. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Rancho Mirage, CA. He holds a National and California Certification as a Gambling Counselor and is Chair of the Training Committee for the California Council on Problem Gambling. Dr. Lange supervised the Family Program at the Betty Ford Center where he completed his dissertation on the recovery symptoms/patterns of family members. Additionally he is a Certified Addictions Specialist and has been a professor of Psychology with Cal State University, San Bernardino for the past fifteen years. Dr. Lange has done numerous professional presentations on problem gambling as well as the quarterly trainings for counselors seeking their Certification as a Gambling Counselor. Past topics included, “You Bet Your Life”, “When Luck Runs Out”. He has published articles for The Counselor, The Therapist magazines and is currently writing a book for treating families of gamblers.

Darel Sorensen, Ed. D. is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Sorensen has years of experience at all levels of education as well as the nonprofit sector as a therapist and program manager. He has directed programs for adults with developmental disabilities and rehabilitation programs for aging adults with mental illness. Dr. Sorensen is completing his Certification as Gambling Counselor with the California Council on Problem Gambling.