Gambling Among Older Adults: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

With the spread of gambling in its many forms across the American landscape the question arises as to how senior citizens have been effected. This study examines data on gambling behavior and related attitudes gathered from a random sample of community residents in jurisdictions that had recently allowed casinos to open. Comparisons are made between senior and younger adults regarding their gambling behaviors. Though the results suggest that casino gambling is not a major threat to the elderly it is noted that more extensive research needs to be done to assess the individual and social costs and benefits, if any, associated with large numbers of the elderly regularly participating in gambling as a social activity.