Overview

I. Definition of gambling

II. Types of gambling

III. Prevalence

IV.Disordered gambling

V. Epidemiology

VI.Gambling in the Elderly

VII.Prevention

Gambling

Defined as risking something of value, usually money, on the outcome of an event decided at least partially by chance.

Forms of Gambling

Casinos Lotteries BINGO Halls

Horse/Greyhound RacesOnline Gambling Sports Betting

Prevalence

• More than 75% of Americans ages 18 and older have gambled at least once

• Many view gambling as a harmless form of entertainment and for many it is but . . .

1 in 20 adults have a gambling disorder

Supposed “Benefits” of GamblingGambling is the most commonly preferred recreational activity among older adults. Some studies claim gambling provides a medium for recreation and social connection.

However, in a investigative report conducted by the Institution of American Values, most seniors reported that gambling can be a lonely and repetitive activity. Citing through various interviews that the most common reason for gambling was to “pass time”.

Disordered gambling DSM-V: Persistent and recurrent gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment within 4 of the listed criteria within a 12-month period:

● needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieved desired excitement● restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or cease behavior● unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce, or stop gambling● preoccupied with gambling● gambling when feeling distressed● lied to conceal gambling behavior● jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or education, career opportunity

because of gambling ● relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situation caused by

gambling

Disordered gambling continued

Gambling behavior patterns that disrupts or damages personal, family, or vocational pursuits

DSM-V shifted categorization from “impulse control” issue to a “substance related and addictive disorders”

It is an emotional and psychological problem that has financial consequences

Disordered gambling presents physiological and psychological symptoms that mirror substance abuse (ie. withdrawal, changes in neurobiology)

Signs of Disordered Gambling ● Preoccupation with gambling

● Irritability or restfulness when attempting to stop

● Attempting to “chase” losses

● Loss of control

● Neglect of personal needs(food, utility, and medical)

● Unaccounted finances and assets

● Social withdrawal/ isolation

● Changes in attitudes and personality

● Blocks of unaccounted time

Reasons for Gambling and their AlternativesReason Alternative

Provides excitement/Gets rush of adrenaline Join a sport or challenging hobby such as rock climbing

To be social/Get over shyness or isolation Counseling, join a social club, take a public speaking class, connect with family/friends, volunteer, or meet new friends

To numb unpleasant feeling or ignore problems Therapy

Boredom/Loneliness Find something to be passionate about and find others with the same passion

Relax after a stressful day 15 minutes of daily exercise can reduce stress, deep breathing, meditation or even a massage

Solve money problems The odds are stacked against you, it is better to seek help from a credit counselor

Epidemiology

Among US Adults:• 2 million adults are diagnosed pathological gamblers

• 4-5 millions adults are considered “problem gamblers”

• 95% of those with substance use disorders have gambled in their lifetime

• Lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be impaired by gambling

• Women and seniors show increased numbers as problem gamblers

• Asians, African-Americans and Native Americans have a higher vulnerability to gambling problems

Epidemiology continued

In New Jersey:

• 350,000 adults

• 87,000 seniors are affected by problem or disordered gambling

• 30,000 youth aged 14-17 are dealing with a gambling addiction

• Gambling treatment and prevention funding allocated ONLY $0.11 per person while substance abuse allocated $11.68 per person

• Atlantic City has one of the highest rates of suicide of any U.S. city since the start of any legalized casino gambling

Types of Gamblers

Social - Individual who gambles on a regular basis and gets upset when their schedule is interrupted

Problem - Mild to severe gambling, generally causes issues with family, finances and often interferes with career

Compulsive/ Pathological - Most serious type of gambling. Characterized by compulsive thoughts and often actions that can ruin the individual's life

Action Gamblers Escape Gamblers

The Costs of Gambling

Cost of gambling is estimated at $6 billion per year

Social Costs:

child abuse

domestic violence

crime

Healthcare Costs:

alcoholism

rehabilitation

suicide

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone who gambles is at risk of developing a gambling addiction, especially if their behavior is detrimental to other areas of their life and if they have lost control over their gambling.

Individual are also more susceptible if they have a genetic predisposition to addiction or if they have the inability to effectively cope with stress.

Anyone with previous history of addiction or mental illness is at an increased risk of developing a gambling addiction

In Fact . . .

1 in 3 individuals with substance use disorders struggle with gambling

The Vulnerability of the Elderly • Dealing with retirement

• Death of a spouse

• Physical/emotional pain

• Loneliness

• Lack of social opportunities

• Too much time on their hands

• Reluctant to seek care for mental health disorders

• Stigma attached to seeking mental health care

• Availability of disposable income

• Cognitive impairment

• Asserting autonomy and independence

Alternative Activities for Older AdultsProvide:● Cognitive Stimulation

● Meaningful Social Interaction

Alternative Activities:● Songs/Music

● Exercise and Fitness

● Arts & Crafts

● Completing Puzzles

● Book Clubs

● Gardening

● Cooking

● Civic Engagement/ Volunteering

Preventing Disordered Gambling

Prevention Measures:

Providing meaningful and stimulating alternative activities

Provide emotional support for any traumatic experiences or stressful situations

Increasing awareness and knowledge about gambling addictions

Reduce stigma and encourage treatment-seeking behavior

Treatment and Resources

National Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Gam-anon/Gamblers Anonymous

Therapy:

Cognitive Behavioral

Psychosocial

Marital

Family