Characteristics of Older Adult Problem
Gamblers Calling a Gambling Helpline

Marc N. Potenza
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

Marvin A. Steinberg
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Guilford, CT

Ran Wu
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

Bruce J. Rounsaville
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

Stephanie S. O'Malley
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

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BACKGROUND
Few investigations have characterized groups of older adults with gambling problems, and published reports are currently limited by small samples of older adult problem gamblers. Gambling helplines represent a widespread mechanism for assisting problem gamblers to move into treatment settings. Given data from older adult problem gamblers in treatment, we hypothesized that older as compared with younger adult problem gamblers calling a gambling helpline would be less likely to report gambling-related problems.

DESIGN AND METHODS
Logistic regression analyses were performed on data obtained from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001, inclusive, from callers with gambling problems (N = 1,084) contacting the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling Helpline.

RESULTS
Of the 1,018 phone calls used in the logistic regression analyses, 168 (16.5%) were from older adults and 850 (83.5%) from younger adults. Age-related differences were observed in demographic features, types and patterns of gambling reported as problematic, gambling-related problems and psychiatric symptoms, substance use problems, patterns of indebtedness, and family histories of addictive disorders. Older as compared with younger adult problem gamblers were more likely to report having lower incomes, longer durations of gambling, fewer types of problematic gambling, and problems with casino slot machine gambling and less likely to report gambling-related anxiety, family problems, illegal behaviors and arrests, drug problems, indebtedness to bookies or acquaintances, family histories of drug abuse, and problems with casino table gambling.

CONCLUSIONS
Older as compared with younger adult problem gamblers calling a gambling helpline differ on many clinically relevant features. The findings suggest the need for improved and unique prevention and treatment strategies for older adults with gambling problems.

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Published online: 12 July 2006

Address correspondence to Marc N. Potenza, MD, PhD, Problem Gambling Clinic, Women and Addictive Disorders Core, Women's Health Research at Yale; and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut Mental Health Center, RoomS-104, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519; Tel: (203) 974-7365; Fax: (203) 974-7366; e-mail: marc.potenza@yale.edu.

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