Gambling is part of our culture. Are in your office football pool, did you buy a lottery ticket, visit Saratoga this summer, or visit a local casino? Everyday seniors around Vermont line up to take a bus trip to a local casino or play a friendly game of bingo. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling 85% of adults have gambled and 60% have gambled in the last year. So when does gambling become a problem?

Recreational gambling is a fixture in our society and like everything else in moderation it is fine. However, over 8 million people in the United States according to the NCPG have a gambling problem. Problem Gambling or Compulsive Gamblers will continue to gamble at the expense of their family, their careers and their financial well being.

According to the NCPG "Compulsive" Gambling, is a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.”

Though obviously no one likes to lose money, for some they become obsessed with winning back their money and get an emotional high when they are winning. Gambling becomes the focus of their life and they need to get their fix just like an alcoholic.

Many seniors have become addicted to gambling and suffer serious consequences. For people on a fixed income gambling can impact the money they have to buy food, medicine or pay for everyday necessities. Many seniors gamble because they are bored. They are retired; they have more free time and due to physical limitations may not be able to participate in as many social activities so gambling becomes a primary social activity. Also, many seniors may be lonely. They may have outlived a spouse or close friends, they may have had to move to be closer to family or to live in a senior housing development and may not have the support system they once did.

For many seniors gambling becomes their main form of excitement and something to look forward to. They may feel their life is boring or not as active as it once was and gambling brings a sense of adventure. Also, some people use gambling as an escape. Facing the loss of loved ones, declining health and financial limitations can be traumatic and for many it is easier to escape from their problems. Many seniors find gambling an escape. However when gambling takes over their life and causes financial and social hardships then it is no longer a recreational hobby it is a problem.

A friendly game of bingo at your local senior center can be great fun for most but for those who have a gambling addiction it can be another step down a slippery path. There are some warning signs for people with gambling problems. Does this person suddenly need money or is borrowing money to gamble, do they have mood swings concerning winning or losing money, are they missing possessions that they have sold for gambling money, are they neglecting their health or dipping into their retirement money for gambling? Are they unwilling to use money earmarked for gambling for necessary expenses? Do they gamble hoping to win money to pay debts?

Gambling is a serious problem that not only can lead to financial ruin, but can destroy relationships, effect an individuals health, and can lead to thoughts of suicide. If you know someone who has problems with gambling or if you feel you are developing gambling problems you can contact the Vermont Council on Problem Gambling for information or to find a support group in your area.

Don’t roll the dice on your future, gambling can be a serious addiction. Please play responsibly.

Vermont Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
www.vtlottery.com/vcpg

Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.