ARCHIVES

COMMON CENTS
Senior Problem Gambling: Trends, Prevention, and Treatment

Produced and Distributed By:
CT DMHAS Compulsive Gambling Treatment Program
CT Council on Problem Gambling

March 15, 2000, Volume I, Issue 1

Welcome to the first issue of COMMON CENTS, a monthly newsletter. Our mission is to address the issue of senior problem gambling in Connecticut. We hope to open a dialogue with other similarly concerned Nutmeggers by eliciting and responding to your questions and comments. In future issues we will discuss a range of topics pertaining to the identification, prevention, and treatment of senior problem gambling.

SAVE THE DATES
Senior Gambling and Health Concerns: A Symposium
September of 2000
More details as they become available.

5th New England Conference on Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling: Is it Still Invisible?
April 27, 2000

DID YOU KNOW?
By 2050, when the baby boom generation reached 85 and older, they are expected to number 19 million, or 5 percent of the total US population. This will represent a 500 percent increase within 60 years (Aging, NASW, Section on Aging Newsletter, Fall 1999).

ABOUT THE SPONSORS
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to reduce the prevalence and impact of problem and compulsive gambling on individuals, families, and society. The CCPG operates a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential problem gambling Helpline, a service that offers information and referrals to problem gamblers and those affected by them.

HELPLINE: 1-800-346-6238

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services Compulsive Gambling Treatment Program (CGTP) was established in 1982 to provide professional treatment for compulsive gamblers and their families. Treatment services are provided at nine locations throughout the State of Connecticut.

ADVISORY PANEL
Jane Barry, Attorney at Law
Thomas Hardin, Senior Center Director
Annette P., Recovering Compulsive Gambler
Merle S., Recovering Compulsive Gambler

GAMBLING AND SENIORS
Gambling in Connecticut and across the country has dramatically increased over the past three decades. Since the legalization of gambling here in 1971, we have seen the growth of bingo and lottery, the opening of OTBs, jai alai and dog racing venues, and the surging popularity of casino gambling. Most recently, instant or "scratch ticket", stock market, and Internet gambling have become increasingly popular.

For most seniors, gambling is a source of entertainment, a chance to be with others in an exciting activity, to "cut loose" for awhile and have some fun, and, perhaps, to win some money. For many, it is a way to let go of day to day stress.

Most seniors who gamble do so reasonably and continue to take care of their financial, health, and social obligations. However, some seniors do not fare so well and, for them, gambling becomes a losing enterprise. Gambling comes to occupy increasing amounts of time and attention. They continue to gamble despite significant losses in an attempt to win back what has been lost. Some may seek loans from family members or sell their assets to cover losses and pay for normal household expenses. They can become embarrassed about their gambling, avoid friends and family, or not tell the truth when asked, "What is going on?" Some become anxious and/or depressed and experience a decline in physical health. Gambling can become the only way they believe they can find escape from life's difficulties.

The sixty four dollar question, of course, is, just how prevalent is senior problem gambling? We will continue this discussion next month. Hope to see you then!

Please cite COMMON CENTS as the source of this quote.

There is a wisdom in the body that is older and more reliable than clocks and calendars. ~John H. Johnson