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Gambling Among Seniors: Pasttime or Past Time

Gambling Among Seniors: Pasttime or Past Time . Jane Reynolds, BA Clinical Coordinator Problem Gamblers Help Network of WV. Gambling: The New Boom Industry. The first state lottery started in New Hampshire in 1963 Now almost ALL states have lotteries

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Gambling Among Seniors: Pasttime or Past Time

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  1. Gambling Among Seniors: Pasttime or Past Time Jane Reynolds, BA Clinical Coordinator Problem Gamblers Help Network of WV

  2. Gambling: The New Boom Industry • The first state lottery started in New Hampshire in 1963 • Now almost ALL states have lotteries • Until 1988, only two states had legalized casino gaming • Now at least 39 states have legalized casino-style games • Simulcast, off-track, Internet, Bingo, Pull tabs • AMERICANS SPEND MORE $$$ ON GAMBLING THAN ALL OTHER FORMS OF RECREATION COMBINED!

  3. Government Sponsored/Regulated Gaming Venues in West Virginia

  4. Who are we? • First Choice Health Systems, Inc, established in 1995 as a statewide network of behavioral health providers, manages various state contracts • Answered RFP in December 1999 to design and implement a statewide gamblers help program • Provided comprehensive treatment program for gamblers in WV for almost 10 years

  5. What is Problem Gambling? • Continuation of gambling behavior in spite of serious, negative consequences

  6. DSM-IV Symptoms of a Gambling Problem

  7. Loss of Control • Makes unsuccessful efforts to stop, control or cut back on gambling.

  8. Chasing • After losing money gambling, returns as soon as possible and gambles more to try to win back lost bets

  9. Preoccupation Often thinking about gambling and/or obtaining money to gamble

  10. Lying • To family members, friends, co-workers, employer, clergy or other important people about gambling

  11. Escape • Uses gambling as a away to escape stress, depression, grief, boredom, loneliness, boredom and other negative feelings

  12. Jeopardized Relationships and Loss of Activities • Has given up other social or recreational activities • Jeopardized family, friendships, career or school in order to keep gambling

  13. Tolerance • Increased size/frequency of bets to achieve desired excitement

  14. Bailouts • Turns to others for money to relieve financial crisis caused by gambling or to get money to gamble

  15. Withdrawal • Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut back or stop gambling

  16. Illegal Acts • Commits forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to get money to gamble or to resolve financial crisis caused by gambling

  17. DSM-IV Symptoms of a Gambling Problem 5 or more symptoms = Pathological Gambler 1 to 4 symptoms = Problem Gambler

  18. National Prevalence Rates • National Council on Problem Gambling, Washington, DC • 2% to 3% of US Population in any given year • 6 million to 9 million Americans

  19. Prevalence Rates in West Virginia? • Who Knows???? • 37,000 to 54,000 West Virginians???

  20. Risk Factors That may contribute to the likelihood that someone develops a gambling problem

  21. An Early Big WinGreater than or equal to one month’s income

  22. Childhood Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment

  23. Pre-existing mental health problemsDepression, anxiety, bipolar, alcoholism, drug addiction and others…

  24. Family history of addictionsalcohol, drugs, gambling and others…

  25. Stressful life eventDeath of a loved one, divorce, job loss, injury, illness and others…

  26. Senior Gambling LJust having fun? OOr headed for trouble?

  27. Are Casinos the new Senior Centers? • Casinos offer many perks to seniors • Free or cheap rooms, food, giveaways • Valet parking or shuttle bus • Provide oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, places to dispose of diabetic needles • Cash your social security check • Friendship from other patrons, staff • “We miss you” cards • Remember them on their birthday

  28. Or, are Senior Centers the new Casinos? • Many senior centers sponsor trips to casinos • Most senior centers and nursing home offer gambling activities like Bingo

  29. Prevalence of Senior Gambling • Those over age 65 list gambling as the most common recreational activity • % of those over age 65 who gambled in past year doubled between 1975-1998 (NORC, 1999) • Conflicting reports on whether seniors have higher rates of gambling and if they are more likely to become addicted

  30. Problem Gambling in WV Among Seniors • 25% of West Virginians are over age 55 (2000 Census) • This table shows WV Lottery player demographics compared to general population-% of players over 65 is proportionate to population • 17% of those who have called our helpline are over age 55

  31. Why Seniors Gamble “ Why shouldn’t I throw my money away? “What else am I going to do with my time?” “The people at the casino are my only friends” “I’m so lonely since my husband died” “Maybe I can make some money to pay bills” “It makes me forgot about my back pain” “It’s the only fun I have” “Its something my wife and I can do together” “Its so safe here”

  32. Financial Issues Problems for Senior Gamblers

  33. Medications and Gambling Drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome (Mirapex, Requip) may cause behavioral changes As many as 1 in 6 on these meds report behavioral changes Increased gambling is one of the most commonly reported problems

  34. Treatment implications for Senior Gamblers More reluctant to seek help Cognitive problems may interfere with ability to make sound decisions Underlying issues of loneliness, lack of socialization must be addressed Financial issues may be more pressing Family should be involved Higher rates of suicide

  35. How We Help • Provide outreach to create public awareness

  36. Outreach and Prevention through Media

  37. Our Billboard Campaign

  38. Recruit and provide 30 hours training to licensed clinicians • Counselors, social workers and psychologists • Quarterly Clinical Supervisions around the state • Advanced/Ongoing Continuing Education

  39. 24-hour Help-line1-800-GAMBLER

  40. All Callers offered free two-hour consult • Includes loved ones! • Scheduled while on the line • Goal is within 30 miles of residence • Within 72 hours of call • Referred to other support services and information mailed

  41. During the Consult

  42. Full range of services

  43. What does our staff do when the helpline isn’t ringing? • Pre-appt courtesy call • Post-assessment follow-up • Treatment pre-certification and utilization review • 6-month, one-year and two-year follow-up • Compile data • Public awareness activities

  44. Program Highlights

  45. Who is Calling Us for Help?

  46. Improving Services with Technology

  47. Our Stats

  48. Our Stats

  49. Our Stats

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