According to some studies, gambling addiction among the elderly is increasing! Even if, according to statistics, the largest group of casino players is ranging from 18 to 54 years. However, it seems that the older players have weak will power.
Although the efforts of charities and anti addiction bodies have been directed to younger players. These studies will lead them to look at the elderly group who appear to be at greater risk!
The most important question here is why older people become addicted to gambling? In fact, gambling addiction does not include drugs, but it is like any other addiction in motives. The addict suffers from deep social and financial disorders. Although he resorts to gambling or alcohol to relieve these pains, he suffers from more crises. This is a vicious cycle that leads to the destruction of the addict’s life!
Recent studies add a new dimension to the problem. As they have shown that lack of entertainment and weak family and social boundaries make them more interested in betting, gambling, stock exchange, forex, and all risky activities; Because it gives them excitement and fun that they lack in their daily lives.
Why Are the Elderly Addicted?
Although the stereotype of the senior people shows them living in ancient times and unable to use the modern tech; this is of course not true! Nowadays old people are avid users of the internet and all tech. They love all kinds of games just as much as youngsters or maybe even more!
For example, in Las Vegas casinos older people represent 1 in every 3 players. In France, 1 in every 2 players at online casinos is over 55. While in the UK, several studies show that 47% of seniors have visited casino at least once in a year.
Old studies that overlooked the gambling addiction among the elderly concluded that the game’s attraction decreases as we get older; So, children and teens are the most interested group in all kinds of games. Followed by young people. Then adults. While players over 55 years aren’t on games.
However, recent studies have shed light on a new trend. More than 30% of people between the ages of 55 and 75 gambled at least once during the current year. Surprisingly, these numbers include both men and women since it is known that women are always a safe distance from gambling addiction.
Not Every Old Gambler Is Addict
It is important to clarify that these numbers do not mean that every old gambler is addicted. But they do suggest the severity of gambling addiction among the elderly only.
In fact, it is very difficult to conduct a direct study to determine the percentage of gambling addicts in a society because the addict does not consider himself an “addict”. Also, it is difficult to convince him to answer all the research questions. In addition, there are a lot of other tasks that involve “gambling” even though it is not casino games. For example, trading forex, CFDs, stock exchange and others. Therefore, this matter requires social campaigns directed to this group.
Could Gambling Addiction Among the Elderly Become More Serious?
Gambling addiction among the elderly is a unique phenomenon in addictive psychology. Although the producers of virtual gambling games and online casinos are preparing their products to suit the younger players, they are attracting seniors more and more deeply!
With the spread of the Corona virus, this phenomenon has taken a completely new direction. At a time when no one felt safe in their life or work, the number of online casino players has increased and their bets have doubled! This means that online gambling does not provide fun just like soap operas and movies, but are an escape from life pressures.
At a time when the media was saying that the pandemic did not pose a threat to the lives of the young. It was saying that the elderly is the most likely to die from it, which is certainly immoral. Perhaps these players found an escape from all negative thoughts only in online casinos!
Taking a more extensive and in-depth look, gambling and sports betting is only a limited part of the problem! Some old person who does not gamble may have the same urges as their addicted peers, and these urges may come in the form of compulsive shopping, disordered eating, or even self-harm.
In addition, the pensions may be enough for the elderly to get an affluent life. So, they may resort to trying their luck at gambling exactly like any person with financial problems.
Current Efforts to Combat Gambling Addiction
Although virtual gambling addiction is a global problem, efforts to combat it remain inadequate. The UK is the most advanced country in this field, and the UK Gambling Commission has made great efforts to tackle this problem. The last decision by the commission was to adopt the GamStop service and require all UK casinos to integrate it. More info.
GamStop is a service that provides free self exclusion for players prone to gambling addiction. The period of exclusion ranges from 6 months to 5 years. During which time the player will not be able to access any of the British gambling sites. However, there is a serious loophole that undermines the effectiveness of this service which is the non UK casinos that are not on GamStop! Therefore, a new service has been launched, GameBan, which allows the player to specify the sites that he does not want to access again on all his devices. Since this app cannot be deleted afterwards, it may be effective in filling the gap of GamStop.
Media Responsibility
It is clear that there the media has a great influence to tackle gambling addiction among seniors.
Instead of the bad trend that seeks to devalue the elderly. The media should encourage them to participate in society and perform constructive tasks that help them and others.
We live in a tough world where everyone is looking out for their own interests and forget the others. So, it is important to maintain the positive bonds that bring us together. Dealing with the pandemic on the grounds that it does not harm young people and is only harmful to seniors was a fatal flaw! And it is a lesson for all media in professionalism and humanity as well.…
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