Home PageTell a Friend
Gambling NewsletterSite MapHelp Using CasinoMan.Net		14 October 2008Chinese Online CasinoJapanese Online Casinocasinò in linea italianiCasinos en línea españolesCasinos en ligne françaisDeutsche on-line-KasinosNederlands Online CasinoDanish Online CasinoSwedish Online CasinoNorwegian Online CasinoRussian Online CasinosTurkish Online CasinoCzech Online CasinoGreek Online Casinos
Lucky Nugget

Gambling excites older adults, but may be addictive



Printer Friendly VersionPost a CommentTell a Friend about this Article11 June 2006
As reported by: KSHB
She swore she'd never play the slots. Eventually, she allowed herself to play, but only with quarters. Soon she was contemptuous of any machines that didn't let her bet up to $100.

Then one day, Maureen Holland walked out of a casino having lost more than she ever had before - $5,000.

"I looked in the mirror and felt like an old lady," the Smithfield, R.I., resident said.

Holland was in her 60s and, according to experts, serves as a modern example of how the elderly develop gambling problems. She had risen to the rank of colonel in the Army, but after she retired she wasn't sure what to do with her life.

"I really became depressed. I felt, 'Wow, I'm getting old.' I'm used to jumping out of choppers. It was a big void," Holland said. "One day, I put my money in a slot machine, and it was like an instant addiction. I won."

Dennis McNeilly, a psychiatry professor from the University of Nebraska Medical School, said people over 65 are "particularly vulnerable" to developing a gambling problem.

As they struggle with boredom and loss in their lives, he said, casinos lure them with cheap food, free oxygen-tank refills, flu shots, pharmacies, and convenient bus trips.

Holland, a 69-year-old part-time nurse, said she sought treatment and hasn't gambled in two years.

McNeilly said many older adults find themselves confronted with painful emotional issues. Work no longer defines their lives. Their health may be deteriorating. Many have lost loved ones and longtime friends.

While "most people navigate these changes well . . . problem gamblers may not," McNeilly said.

Gambling - including bingo, lotteries and slots - offers opportunities for socializing, entertainment and excitement. And casinos offer an environment that is attractive , along with ATMs and credit-card service that makes cash readily available.
Article By: KSHB

Related Articles:

Experts say Macau's success spurring Asia's gaming industry - 09 September 2008
Charles Town Races & Slots’ new $21 million hotel set to open this weekend - 04 September 2008
Online Gambling and eCommerce - 04 September 2008
Atlantic City eyes new casino far from others - 04 September 2008
Casinos in the future for Milford and Marlborough? - 24 August 2008

Recommended Casinos:

Rushmore Casino - 100% match up to $400 free on 1st Deposit - click here
All Slots Casino - Sign Up bonus up to $150 free - click here
Lucky Nugget - buy $50 and get $50 free - click here
Vip Slots - Get 100% bonus up to $259 free - click here

Readers Comments:

Post a Comment
No comments have been made about this article.

Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthNevada Council on Problem GamblingProblem Gambling CaGamblers AnonymousGamCare
v13 © 2001-2008 Lady Luck Media Ltd
All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Anti-Spam Policy | Disclaimer

CasinoMan.Net wishes to express that the content within this website is not intended for any illegal purposes. Before you enter into a wagering scenario, you must ensure that you meet all the legal regulatory and age requirements at any given online establishment. Internet gambling is in many jurisdictions, illegal, and users should consult and research the legality of online gambling in their own jurisdiction for their own protection. CasinoMan.Net is intended for entertainment and news purposes, it is a independent portal and information site with no affiliations to any casino. Links to 3rd party sites from CasinoMan.Net are provided for informational purposes only. Copyright 2001-2008. All rights reserved.