With heightened accessibility to gamble online, concerns for older adults’ risk of developing a gambling disorder have increased.
Ohioans have wagered almost $3.4 billion on online sports betting sites since the end of April, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Last year, online wagers reached more than $10 billion.
Derek Longmeier, executive director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, said typically those who are at a higher risk for developing a gambling disorder are men between the ages of 18 and 25. However, online gamblers over the age of 65 have been rising in concerns on their gambling practices.
“If we're looking at those that might be having some cognitive issues — it can be super easy to get sucked into the world of gambling, as well as those who have experienced loss and are using gambling as a replacement for not having their loved one there any longer,” Longmeier said.
Due to older adults’ possible health conditions that reduce mobility, many people who gamble might be leaning towards the convenience of betting on their phones, Longmeier explained. Varying levels of digital and financial literacy alongside fixed incomes raise concerns about the choices older adults may make.
“There is friction to drive from wherever you live to those properties. Where it's really become frictionless for sports books, and that you can be on an app, 20 apps, 24/7, and it's that frictionless (ability) that can make it super problematic, as well as the high level of repetition,” Longmeier said.
New online mediums for betting have popped up, including social casinos, which allow users to play casino-type games, like slots or poker, using a free virtual in-game currency. The currency may be gained from gameplay or purchased in an app. The games replicate the feeling of in-person casinos, Longmeier explained, without risks of developing gambling problems. However, people may spend money to buy more in-game currency to feed their need to gamble.
But that is how a spiral may start because it can be easy to lose track of the amount of money you could be spending. Placing small incremental payments on multiple sites on the large number of games played can begin to stack up.
The American Psychiatric Association has classified gambling addictions as comparable to substance use disorders. The compulsion to gamble begins to outweigh the consequences, much like reactions to alcohol and drugs. Actions of constant thoughts of gambling, increasing bet amounts, lying about the extent and endangering other areas of life affect those who develop gambling disorders despite negative effects.
Speed bumps to slow down escalating gambling problems have begun to gain traction. Currently, the Casino Control Commission is advancing policies to affirm the gambling safeguard several states have adopted, such as bans on credit cards to fund sports betting accounts.
The Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery also offer an app aimed at reducing problems with gambling. Time Out Ohio allows people to voluntarily ban themselves from casinos and sports gaming around the world.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and needs confidential support, you can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET or visit the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio for local resources.
