title: Characteristics of problem gamblers 56 years of age or older: a statewide study of casino self-excluders.
abstract: Gambling among older adults appears to be increasing, though little is known about the characteristics of older adult problem gamblers. The purpose of this study was to compare older adults to younger and middle-aged adults in a cohort of problem gamblers participating in a state-administered casino self-exclusion program. Self-reported problem gamblers (N = 1,601) who voluntary banned themselves from Missouri casinos from 2001 to 2003 were categorized by age as younger adults (ages 21 to 35; n = 490), middle-aged adults (ages 36 to 55; n = 950), and older adults (ages 56 to 79; n = 161), and were compared with respect to demographic variables, gambling participation, and reasons for self-exclusion. Older adult self-excluders typically began gambling in midlife, experienced gambling problems around age 60, reported preferences for nonstrategic forms of gambling, and identified fear of suicide as the primary reason for self-excluding. Implications for intervention, prevention and treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Center for Gambling Studies, Rutgers University.
authors.forename: Lia
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-2497-8957
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nower
authors.affiliation: Gambling Research Unit, School of Psychology, University of Sydney.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blaszczynski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D032763:Behavior Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000092864:Suicide Prevention