Senior Citizen Bingo Players in Australian Registered and Licensed Clubs: A Case Study at Tweed Heads, New South Wales

Abstract

This article reports on an investigation into motivations for and consequences of, bingo playing by senior citizens in three Australian clubs. Using a qualitative approach, 40 participants discussed this topic in three focus groups. Motivations were reported as: to socialize, to reduce isolation and loneliness, to combat depression through relaxation, to balance boredom with healthy living, to escape from pressures at home, to find entertainment that represents value for money, and to keep alert. Consequential risks were said to be: bingo as a sedentary recreation pursuit reduces physical activity and is a possible source of developing problems with gambling.

Keywords:

• Bingo
• senior citizens
• Australian registered and licensed clubs

Notes

The author has taken leave from her position as Academic Coordinator for the Centre for Professional Development in Club and Gaming Management and Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Gaming and Club Management at Southern Cross University to undertake full‐time PhD research in the area of Indigenous Australians' gambling.The author acknowledges the contributions of Dr. J. Patford (University of Tasmania) and Ms. S. Nisbet (Southern Cross University) for their assistance with this research project.