For many, gambling is a fun activity, but for those who become addicted to gambling, it is a devastating disease. Problem Gambling is a hidden illness and it is even more so for the older adult. Compulsive Gambling is a progressive disorder causing a psychologically uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble.
Individuals eventually lose the ability to control the impulse to gamble.
This results in excessive gambling which can compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or employment pursuits. It is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as an Impulse Control Disorder. Although there has been no National or State study done yet on gambling among older adults, gambling Helpline counselors throughout our nation report that gambling by senior citizens is on the rise. In the past, gambling declined with age, but now more seniors are able to gamble as the availability of gambling increases. Legalized gambling has expanded dramatically in recent years.