Seniors and Problem Gambling

what’s the problem??

“ the problem is not gambling…. the problem is problem gambling”

Gambling in Oregon is Growing

Spirit Mt. Casino has replaced Multnomah Falls as our #1 tourist attraction

Oregon Gambling: Summarized

Oregon has more forms of legalized gambling and offers easier access to gambling than almost any other state

- AND - Oregon is a nationally recognized

leader in prevention, harm reduction and treatment for gambling problems

Source: National Ctr for the Study of Gambling, 2006

More Gamblers, More Problem Gamblers

Prevalence of gambling disorders

is a function of the overall level of gambling participation

Gambling can be a double-edged sword for seniors

+ Social benefits - Risk of developing a problem - More difficult to recoup financial losses if retired or on fixed income

Sandy4th grade teacher

WarrenCornell University Economics Degree

Senior Problem Gamblers

• often high functioning and bright•often not the typical user of social services•easier to hide: no obvious physical signs of addiction, nor physical limitations to the process (i.e. don’t OD from too much gambling )

Jane Grandmastole 250K to gamble

Source: National Council on Problem Gambling voices of recovery http://www.ncpgambling.org/

Other considerations for seniors

Older adults less likely to seek help or treatmentHealth professionals rarely assess for problem gamblingEasy access to gambling (busses from senior center to casinos)Mental or physical impairment may cloud judgement

Gambles a lot/Spends more time

gambling

Expects to win and keeps playing to win back losses

Gambling is more like a chore

and/or escape“Chasing” losses

with $ that is needed, borrowed,

or stolen

Gambles once in a while

Hopes to win butexpects to lose

Gambling is for entertainment

Sticks to limits of money to play with

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Oregon Seniors

Current estimate is that over 6,000 Oregonians age 62 and over have a gambling problem

Indicators of problem gambling

Increase in gambling time and places Increase in size of bets Working up special occasions for

gambling Intensity of interest in gambling Boasting wins; evading loses Exaggerated display of money and

other possessions

More Indicators Gambling when there is a crisis

Drop off in other activities/interests

Frequent absences from school, work and home

Excessive phone use

Withdrawal from family

Personality changes (irritability/hostility)

Diversion of funds earmarked for other purposes

The games themselves have an effect on developing gambling problems: faster isn’t better

casino card games = 30 thirty hands per houronline poker = 60-80 hands per hour so more

can be lost faster

Consequences of Problem Gambling

Financial distress or ruin

Depression

Suicide

Stress-related health

problems

Responsible Gambling Guidelines

If you gamble, do it for entertainment only

Treat the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment

Set a dollar limit and stick to it

Set a time limit and stick to it

Expect to lose

Don’t use a credit card to gamble and don’t bet money that should go for more essential needs such as food, rent

Don’t increase your betting to make up for money you lost

Don’t gamble as a way to cope with stress, depression or loneliness

Educate yourself about problem gambling

Getting Help

Free awareness resources503-945-9703

SpeakersVideosHandoutsPosters and brochures

Problem Gambling Help Line:Free and confidential; staffed by professional counselors

Phone: 1 (877) MY LIMIT

Online: 1877mylimit.org (chat, IM, email)

Treatment in Oregon

Continuum of Care Gambling Evaluation and Reduction

Program (GEAR) Corrections Program 27 outpatient treatment centers 3 crisis-respite programs 1 residential treatment program

Oregon Problem Gambling Services

Updated 9/20/06

Symbol Key

Outpatient Clinic

Satellite Office

Residential Treatment

Crisis Respite Program

Conclusions

Problem gambling is a real and growing concern for security professionals and others. Effects about 1 in 37 adults.

We need to implement measures to address problem gambling in the workplace. Policies, increase awareness

Resources are available. Utilize your local resources