Why Gamblers over 55 Blow their Bankrolls

As many of us know, casinos are in the business of keeping players on the tables longer and gambling more. Some of the tricks they use include no clocks, windowless rooms, and ugly carpeting to keep players’ eyes on the games. Given all of the small methods that casinos use to encourage more gambling, anybody is susceptible to playing more than they planned. But according to Forbes, those over the age of 55 may be especially prone to problem gambling.

Brian Kongsvik of Stanford, Florida’s Council on Compulsive Gambling says that a large amount of their calls are in regard to seniors. “Twenty-five percent of the calls we receive for help each month come from someone 55 years or older or from a worried loved one calling about a relative in that age group,” Kongsvik said. “Besides slots, these same people also wager on card games and the lottery.”

Forbes does state that Florida has a disproportionate number of older people, with 19% of their population aged 65 or older. But the problem that Kongsvik cites doesn’t seem to be confined to Florida. Dennis McNeilly, a clinical geropsychologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, says that older people gambling too much can arise out of boredom, feeling cut off, and making dramatic transitions in family and work life. Here’s a good excerpt from what McNeilly discusses:

Although casinos try to appeal to everyone, they particularly cater to the over-50 folks.

“It’s mainstream entertainment, transportation is provided and they get freebies for ing a slot club,” says McNeilly. Who doesn’t want to get something for free, like dinner, drinks or coupons?

“Casinos regularly send mailings and even birthday cards. If you’re isolated or lonely, that matters,” McNeilly adds.

Plus, casinos are broadly -friendly. Visiting the casino doesn’t require special knowledge; you don’t have to be in good shape; and it’s open 24 hours a day. If you’re frail or ill, it doesn’t matter — casinos go out of their way to accommodate people who need accessibility.

Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Gambling Studies Program, believes that many seniors see casino games as a social activity. Furthermore, he believes that gambling improves the majority of older people’s lives because they don’t have a problem and it provides them with a fun activity to do.

Fong’s comments are backed up by a national study that cites how only 1.5% to 3% of gamblers meet the criteria for pathological gambling. So while those over 55 may be more prone to gamble their bankrolls away, even this age demographic is largely responsible with their money.