He noted promotions from nearby Iowa casinos that included prescription drug discounts for members of the casino players club, who were older adults and double casino points in the mornings, when older adults tend to visit. While some might be critical of such marketing, older adults often are more consumer savvy than might be expected, he said. Older adults who tend to have problems are those who have not adapted well to changes or losses in their lives, he said. Elizabeth George, chief executive officer of the North American Training Institute, which is a division of the Minnesota Counsel on Compulsive Gambling, noted that gambling can be good for seniors in providing meals, activity and interaction. Unfortunately, there s at least one burden, she said.
Older adults can become addicted to the activity of gambling.
Red flags to watch for include dipping into pensions for gambling money, cashing in life insurance policies and cash advances on multiple credit cards, George said. McNeilly said stoic older adults who suspect they have a gambling problem are not likely to attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings, but rather call consumer or financial credit hotlines thinking that they have a money problem. Use of this site signifies agreement to our terms of service . We want your feedback .