Gambling Among Seniors: Pasttime or Past Time

Jane Reynolds, BA

Clinical Coordinator

Problem Gamblers Help Network of WV

Jane Reynolds, BA

Clinical Coordinator

Problem Gamblers Help Network of WV

Gambling: The New Boom Industry

• The first state lottery started in New Hampshire in 1963

• Now almost ALL states have lotteries• Until 1988, only two states had legalized casino

gaming• Now at least 39 states have legalized casino-style

games • Simulcast, off-track, Internet, Bingo, Pull tabs• AMERICANS SPEND MORE $$$ ON GAMBLING THAN ALL

OTHER FORMS OF RECREATION COMBINED!

• The first state lottery started in New Hampshire in 1963

• Now almost ALL states have lotteries• Until 1988, only two states had legalized casino

gaming• Now at least 39 states have legalized casino-style

games • Simulcast, off-track, Internet, Bingo, Pull tabs• AMERICANS SPEND MORE $$$ ON GAMBLING THAN ALL

OTHER FORMS OF RECREATION COMBINED!

Government Sponsored/Regulated Gaming

Venues in West Virginia

Who are we?• First Choice Health Systems, Inc, established

in 1995 as a statewide network of behavioral health providers, manages various state contracts

• Answered RFP in December 1999 to design and implement a statewide gamblers help program

• Provided comprehensive treatment program for gamblers in WV for almost 10 years

• First Choice Health Systems, Inc, established in 1995 as a statewide network of behavioral health providers, manages various state contracts

• Answered RFP in December 1999 to design and implement a statewide gamblers help program

• Provided comprehensive treatment program for gamblers in WV for almost 10 years

What is Problem Gambling?

• Continuation of gambling behavior in spite of serious, negative consequences

DSM-IV Symptoms of a Gambling Problem

Loss of Control

• Makes unsuccessful efforts to stop, control or cut back on gambling.

Chasing

• After losing money gambling, returns as soon as possible and gambles more to try to win back lost bets

Preoccupation

Often thinking about gambling and/or obtaining money to gamble

Lying

• To family members, friends, co-workers, employer, clergy or other important people about gambling

Escape

• Uses gambling as a away to escape stress, depression, grief, boredom, loneliness, boredom and other negative feelings

Jeopardized Relationships and Loss of Activities

• Has given up other social or recreational activities

• Jeopardized family, friendships, career or school in order to keep gambling

Tolerance

• Increased size/frequency of bets to achieve desired excitement

Bailouts

• Turns to others for money to relieve financial crisis caused by gambling or to get money to gamble

Withdrawal

• Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut back or stop gambling

Illegal Acts

• Commits forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to get money to gamble or to resolve financial crisis caused by gambling

DSM-IV Symptoms of a Gambling Problem

5 or more symptoms = Pathological Gambler

1 to 4 symptoms = Problem Gambler

National Prevalence Rates

• National Council on Problem Gambling, Washington, DC

• 2% to 3% of US Population in any given year

• 6 million to 9 million Americans

Prevalence Rates in West Virginia?

• Who Knows????

• 37,000 to 54,000 West Virginians???

Risk Factors

That may contribute to the likelihood that someone

develops a gambling problem

An Early Big WinGreater than or equal to

one month’s income

Childhood Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment

Pre-existing mental health problems

Depression, anxiety, bipolar, alcoholism, drug addiction and others…

Family history of addictions

alcohol, drugs, gambling and others…

Stressful life eventDeath of a loved one, divorce, job loss, injury,

illness and others…

Senior Gambling

LJust having fun? OOr headed for trouble?

Are Casinos the new Senior Centers?

• Casinos offer many perks to seniors– Free or cheap rooms, food, giveaways– Valet parking or shuttle bus– Provide oxygen tanks, wheelchairs,

places to dispose of diabetic needles– Cash your social security check– Friendship from other patrons, staff

• “We miss you” cards• Remember them on their birthday

Or, are Senior Centers the new Casinos?

• Many senior centers sponsor trips to casinos

• Most senior centers and nursing home offer gambling activities like Bingo

• Many senior centers sponsor trips to casinos

• Most senior centers and nursing home offer gambling activities like Bingo

Prevalence of Senior Gambling

• Those over age 65 list gambling as the most common recreational activity

• % of those over age 65 who gambled in past year doubled between 1975-1998 (NORC, 1999)

• Conflicting reports on whether seniors have higher rates of gambling and if they are more likely to become addicted

Problem Gambling in WV Among Seniors

• 25% of West Virginians are over age 55 (2000 Census)• This table shows WV Lottery player demographics compared

to general population-% of players over 65 is proportionate to population

• 17% of those who have called our

helpline are over age 55

• 25% of West Virginians are over age 55 (2000 Census)• This table shows WV Lottery player demographics compared

to general population-% of players over 65 is proportionate to population

• 17% of those who have called our

helpline are over age 55

Why Seniors Gamble

• “ Why shouldn’t I throw my money away?• “What else am I going to do with my time?”• “The people at the casino are my only friends”• “I’m so lonely since my husband died”• “Maybe I can make some money to pay bills”• “It makes me forgot about my back pain”• “It’s the only fun I have”• “Its something my wife and I can do together”• “Its so safe here”

• “ Why shouldn’t I throw my money away?• “What else am I going to do with my time?”• “The people at the casino are my only friends”• “I’m so lonely since my husband died”• “Maybe I can make some money to pay bills”• “It makes me forgot about my back pain”• “It’s the only fun I have”• “Its something my wife and I can do together”• “Its so safe here”

Financial Issues Problems for Senior Gamblers

Medications and Gambling•Drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome (Mirapex, Requip) may cause behavioral changes

•As many as 1 in 6 on these meds report behavioral changes

•Increased gambling is one of the most commonly reported problems

•Drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome (Mirapex, Requip) may cause behavioral changes

•As many as 1 in 6 on these meds report behavioral changes

•Increased gambling is one of the most commonly reported problems

Treatment implications for Senior Gamblers

• More reluctant to seek help• Cognitive problems may interfere with ability to make

sound decisions• Underlying issues of loneliness, lack of socialization

must be addressed• Financial issues may be more pressing• Family should be involved• Higher rates of suicide

• More reluctant to seek help• Cognitive problems may interfere with ability to make

sound decisions• Underlying issues of loneliness, lack of socialization

must be addressed• Financial issues may be more pressing• Family should be involved• Higher rates of suicide

How We Help

• Provide outreach to create public awareness

Outreach and Prevention through Media

Our Billboard Campaign

Recruit and provide 30 hours training to licensed clinicians

• Counselors, social workers and psychologists

• Quarterly Clinical Supervisions around the state

• Advanced/Ongoing Continuing Education

24-hour Help-line1-800-GAMBLER

All Callers offered free two-hour consult

• Includes loved ones!• Scheduled while on the line• Goal is within 30 miles of

residence• Within 72 hours of call• Referred to other support

services and information mailed

• Includes loved ones!• Scheduled while on the line• Goal is within 30 miles of

residence• Within 72 hours of call• Referred to other support

services and information mailed

During the Consult

Full range of services

What does our staff do when the helpline isn’t ringing?

• Pre-appt courtesy call• Post-assessment follow-up• Treatment pre-certification and utilization

review • 6-month, one-year and two-year follow-up• Compile data• Public awareness activities

• Pre-appt courtesy call• Post-assessment follow-up• Treatment pre-certification and utilization

review • 6-month, one-year and two-year follow-up• Compile data• Public awareness activities

Program Highlights

Who is Calling Us for Help?

Improving Services with Technology

Our Stats

Our Stats

Our Stats