In one sense the surfeit of senior gamblers is hardly surprising. Two states had some form of legalized gambling in 1976. Today, only two states do not have any form of legalized gambling. It's not surprising more seniors consider a trip to the casinos an attractive outing. Casinos target older Americans with offers that include complimentary drinks and free valet parking.
Stage shows feature members of swing-era big bands.
One casino offers slot machines based on 1940s detective stories. A casino in Iowa used to provide a 50 percent discount on prescription drugs to seniors who signed up for a players club card. In Missouri, there are free shuttles from senior centers to the casinos, where sometimes lonely retirees are often greeted by name and made to feel special. The few existing studies on older gamblers appear to show that seniors are no more susceptible to problem gambling than are other age groups. Nevertheless, retired problem gamblers are in a riskier position because they do not have the income capacity to recoup severe losses.