Online Slots Guide - CasinoMan

Gambling excites older adults, but may be addictive


news
11 June 2006Printer Friendly VersionPost a CommentTell a Friend about this Article

Captain Cooks Casino
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

Readers Comments


No comments have been submitted yet for this article.

Post a Comment


Name:
Email:
Comment:
CAPTCHA:
rc1rc2rc3rc4
Newsletter Updates - I would like to receive the latest news articles and exclusive bonuses from the CasinoMan Newsletter. (more info »)

Top Online Casino Choice

Aladdins Gold Casino
Aladdins Gold Casino


Welcome Offer 2 | 75% bonus up to $200, using coupon code: ALADDINS75
Rushmore Casino
Rushmore Casino


First Deposit Bonus | 100% match bonus up to $400 (15x rollover)
Bodog Casino
Bodog Casino


REFER YOUR FRIENDS | Earn up to £30 / €30 / $30 cash for each friend you refer to Bodog Sportsbook, Casino and Poker Room
casinos

You might also like these other casinos:

Manhattan Slots
online casino
100% First deposit bonus up to $747

High Noon Casino
online casino
200% First deposit bonus up to $ 2000

Aladdins Gold Casino
online casino
100% First deposit bonus up to $150

Keep up with the latest

Sign up to the CasinoMan Newsletter today and get top playing tips, latest bonus locations and the latest blog stories.

To help you along the way, register today and get a FREE special report The 7 Deadly Pitfalls of Choosing an Online Casino.

( Close )
Top Casino Bonuses
Cool Cat Casino - Neteller Bonus - 5% extra on top

High Noon Casino - Slots Welcome Bonus - Play any of our amazing Slots, Real Series Slots, Scratch Cards and Keno, 200% bonus up to $2000, using coupon code: HIGHNOON20

Lucky Red Casino - Refer a friend - Bring a friend along to Lucky Red Casino and you can earn yourself a $50 free chip!