Health Care in Canada: Gamblers Often Suffer Alone

Increased access to gambling opportunities as well as its acceptance in society has led to a large increase in the number of people gambling.

Many seniors are unaware that too much gambling can affect them and their families.

For some gambling is a way to avoid emotional and/or physical pain, or for others, a way to improve social status.

"I was bored and lonely, I didn’t know what to do with myself since I stopped working, so I started going to the Casino. I was ashamed to talk to anyone about my gambling problem. I needed help"

At Casino Niagara, seniors are an "increasing component" of visitors who have wagered enough for the casino to report more than $500 million in gross revenue in a little more than a year.

Seventy eight year old John says "what else do seniors have to do?" "When they hear the slots jingle, their pace picks up. The adrenaline starts to go. The lights, the flash, the glitz, the crowd, the excitement. "There’s fine food, gambling and music."

Gambling trips have replaced sightseeing tours in popularity among seniors which is quite the opposite of 10 years ago.

While statistics suggest that seniors develop fewer gambling addictions than younger people, researchers say the repercussions of compulsive gambling are often far more devastating. An urge to make money coupled with the desire for a safe social environment may prompt seniors to take up gambling as a form of recreation.

Victoria Chandler, an addictions specialist says, "unfortunately some seniors see gambling as a source of income." "The heartbreak of that is it can put all the security in their life at risk." "Unlike younger gambling addicts, a senior has less time to recuperate losses." "they’re not going to be able to make that money up - - the lost house, the lost savings", "when you’re on a fixed income, that can be pretty devastating".

"Those over 55 tend to view gambling with shame because it was an illegal activity for most of them throughout their lives", Chandler says. "Boomers on the other hand tend to be looser with their money when it comes to pleasure and more accustomed to the idea of gambling as fun."

TIPS FOR KEEPING IT RESPONSIBLE AND FUN

Gamble for entertainment, not to make money
Don’t bring your bankcards
Balance gambling with other leisure activities
Set a budget and stick to it
If you are losing, don’t chase your losses
Set a time limit
Take a break

PROBLEM GAMBLING WARNING SIGNS

Loss of interest and participation in other activities
Change of attitude
Need for money/loans
Missing property or money
Neglect of personal needs (food, clothing, medical etc…)
Decline in health
Withdrawal/depression

Article provided by Victoria Chandler B.A., B.S.W., R.S.W., Addictions Therapist.

Victoria works from a solution- focused and spiritual model of treatment which assists her clients with the tools necessary for abstinence, harm reduction and deeper understanding for the prevention of relapse.

Serving Hamilton, Halton, Brant and Haldimand- Norfolk, Victoria is a private practitioner located on the Hamilton Mountain near the Claremont access. Call Victoria for an assessment at 905- 545-6132 or EMAIL at vchandler2@cogeco.ca All messages are confidential.

printer friendly

Email this to a friend