Gambling Today – Making Healthy Choices

Maureen L. Greeley, Executive Director
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling 

Last year, my sister retired and began a multi-year cruise around the world. Many of my friends are retired now. While I’ve been planning financially for retirement for years, I’m just now understanding that I need to plan mentally as well for the changes that will come with this significant life transition. 

The journey to and through retirement is different for everyone, but it almost always marks transitions that we may or may not be ready to navigate. In my work as Executive Director for the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling in Washington State, I’ve become aware that retirement can be an opportunity for leisure, relaxation, and choosing activities to fill new-found free time. For many, gambling becomes one source of entertainment that offers positive social interactions and a sense of safety and community. In contrast, for some, gambling can have harmful consequences, particularly when the reasons for gambling revolve not around entertainment but around escaping anxiety and loneliness, health limitations, stress, grief, or emotional difficulties. Problem gambling among adults age 60 and older is a real public health issue, with prevalence rates between 0.01% and 10.6%.* 

Problem gambling and gambling disorder refer to gambling behaviors that may disrupt or interfere with family, personal, or professional activities and can have harmful financial and health consequences. For older adults, especially those who are retired, factors such as social isolation, declining health, and even boredom can increase their vulnerability. For those in retirement, especially on fixed incomes, gambling losses can affect financial security and put funds for essentials such as housing, healthcare, and food at risk. 

Older adults who gamble on a monthly or more frequent basis are at a greater risk of experiencing problem gambling. Some prescription drugs have been associated with problem gambling and gambling disorder behaviors, most notably Mirapex and Requip. If you’re taking these drugs, check with your doctor. 

Recognizing progressive problem gambling behaviors can be challenging as they can often occur discreetly. Here are some of the signs to consider. 

• Avoiding friends or relatives
  
• Discontinuing activities that were once enjoyed to spend more time gambling
  
• Emotional distress, including anxiety or frustration, related to gambling activities
  
• Increased time spent gambling
  
• Lying about time or money spent gambling
  
• Neglecting hygiene or personal appearance
  
• Unaccounted for blocks of time
  
• Unexplained financial difficulties, requests to borrow money, or reluctance to discuss finances

If gambling is creating problems for you and your family, there is help and hope.

Problem gambling is a complex health issue that often requires treatment, counseling, and support. If you cannot walk away when you’ve reached your limit, or if you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of gambling or in conflict with others because of your gambling activity, call Washington State’s Problem Gambling Helpline for assistance: 1-800-547-6133. You are not alone. Treatment is available and effective. If you are a family member, friend, or caregiver impacted by the gambling of someone you love, help is available for you, too. 

Financial advisors can offer professional guidance on budgets, financial plans, and how to protect your family’s assets. This financial support can help individuals and families rebuild financial stability and empower them to regain control over their finances. 

Tips for Making Healthy Choices Around Gambling 

Understand the Odds – Every Game is Different

• If you know the odds before you play, you can make better decisions before and while you play.
• Never count on gambling as a way to make money.

Set Time Limits

• How long did you intend to stay? How long did you actually play? It can be easy to lose track of time when gambling.
• Set the timer on your smartphone and take a break. Plan to meet friends or family for coffee, a meal, or an activity.

Play Only with Money You Can Afford to Lose

• Consider gambling as part of your entertainment budget, like the cost of dining out or going to a movie.
• Never use the money you need for daily living costs to gamble.

Make Sure You’re in the Right Mindset

• Don’t gamble if you’re depressed, upset, or angry.
• Don’t isolate yourself – make gambling a fun social event with friends.

Chasing Losses?

• Chances are – the more you chase your losses, the more you’ll lose.
• It’s important to understand that losing is a part of gambling.

Balance Gambling with Other Activities You Love

• Explore new hobbies and skills and pursue new passions – You Get to Choose!
• Volunteer in your community and/or mentor youth

Understanding what kind of lifestyle you’d like to enjoy in retirement helps you live a life that’s most meaningful to you. Gambling can be a fun source of entertainment when you make healthy choices. If gambling starts to create problems in your life, help is available.

* Subramaniam, M., Wang, P. soh, P. Vaingankar, J.A., Chong, S.A.,Browning, C. J., & Thomas, S. A. (2015). Prevalence and determinants of gambling disorder among older adults; a systematic review. Addictive Behaviors, 41, 199-209.