Does your parent have a gambling problem?

June

A few months ago I wrote a story for “The Journal News”:http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage on problem gambling.

According to a new report in the “AARP Bulletin”:http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourlife/gambling.html, the gaming industry actively goes after senior citizens, even though many are prone to gambling away more money than they can afford.

As I learned in reporting the newspaper story, there are numerous reasons older people become problem gamblers (among them to escape from loneliness or boredom or to forget the past).

Sometimes, they gamble because they believe they’re finally entitled to have some fun.

We all know everything is fine in moderation.

But if you suspect a parent or older relative has a gambling problem, the “New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)”:http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/index.cfm suggests looking for the following warning signs:

Experiencing mood swings tied to wins or losses.
Neglecting other responsibilties in order to gamble.
Being impatient with loved ones if they interrupt gambling activities.
Eating less in order to gamble.
Spending money on gambling that’s designated for household necessities.
Spending retirement funds on gambling.
Talking about cashing in an insurance policy to use the money for gambling.
Fantasizing about a big win.
Suddenly asking to borrow money.
Changing his or her daily routine and/or behavior.

For confidential assistance, reach OASAS at 1-800-437-1611.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 15th, 2007 at 2:21 pm by Linda Lombroso.
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One Response to “Does your parent have a gambling problem?”

Natalia October 28th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
This is great info to know.

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