Gambling and Seniors: Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ Inc.

Support, Treatment & Hope

Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ

800-GAMBLER

Why do Seniors Gamble?

*Enjoyable recreation

*Spend time with friends

*Excitement

*Pass the time

However, some also gamble to…

*Numb pain or chronic health issues

*Help from problems

*Escape boredom or loneliness

*Escape lifestyle changes such as loss of spouse, divorce or retirement

*Distract themselves from  anxiety

Quick Facts:

*Most senior gamblers are “escape” gamblers

*5-10% of senior gamblers will become addicted

*Over two-thirds of Atlantic City’s revenue comes from senior gamblers (50andbeyond.com)

*Seniors typically prefer slots and bingo to faster paced games

The 3 Phase Progression:

1. The Winning Phase: Gambling is fun, a temporary escape and losses are considered ‘Bad Luck’
2. The Losing Phase: Borrows money to get even, lies escalate and withdrawal increases.
3. The Desperation Phase: Occurs when the senior gambler becomes obsessed with obtaining money to cover losses. Severe mood swings, arguments, failing health and possible criminal activity. Suicide is contemplated as one last escape.

Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ 800-GAMBLER

Warning Signs:

*Preoccupation

*Borrowing Money

*Selling personal items

*Irritability, Restlessness, Withdrawal

*Delay payment of bills

*Loss of pension of bills

*Loss of Social Security benefits

*Neglecting household duties

*Decline in personal hygiene

*Decline in health

*Alienation from family and friends

*Inability to cut back or stop gambling

*Extreme guilt or shame

*Disappear for extended periods of time

*Suicidal thoughts

Contact Us:

Council on Compulsive Gambling NJ

3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 7

Hamilton, NJ  08619

Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER

Visit us on the Web: http://www.800gambler.org

Support, Treatment & Hope

800-GAMBLER

Mission Statement:

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Inc (Council) is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 organization composed of concerned individuals from diverse backgrounds. The group’s primary purpose is to represent the best interest of compulsive gamblers and their families, recognizing that compulsive gambling is a treatable illness.

The Council focuses on educating the general public, training professionals throughout the state, referring compulsive gamblers and their families to treatment and advocating for increased treatment services for compulsive gamblers and their families.

How to find help for a problem gambler:

Call for help 24 hours per day. 7 days per week-800-GAMBLER and speak with a gambling helpline staff member (All calls are confidential).

Send text to “1-800-GAMBLER”

Visit http://www.800gambler.org for information, resources or live chat

Attend a Gamblers Anonymous (GA) or Gam-Anon meeting in your area; meeting locations, times and dates can be found by calling 800-GAMBLER or by visiting our website at http://www.800gambler.org.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Council on Compulsive Gambling NJ pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.