Gambling behaviour and factors associated with problem gambling among older adults

The recent widespread expansion of gambling in North America has generated concerns about potential social and economic impacts. One group that has been identified as potentially at-risk of being negatively impacted by gambling expansion is older adults (Korn and Shaffer, 1999). This study had three main objectives: to examine the gambling patterns of older adults, to identify factors associated with gambling and problem gambling, and to examine the appropriateness of using existing measures of problem gambling with an older adult population. The data were drawn from research conducted by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba in which telephone interviews were conducted with a sample of 5,000 older adults, 60 years and older, throughout the province. Problem gambling was determined from scores on the South Oaks Gambling Screen Revised (SOGS-R) (Lesieur and Blume, 1987). The results showed gambling to be a fairly common activity among older adults, with 74.7% of participants having gambled in the year prior to the study. Compared to nongamblers, gamblers tended to be younger, have higher incomes, have completed high school, be less likely to be single, and be more likely to consume alcohol and tobacco. Of the total sample, 1.6% were gambling at problem levels, and a further 1.2% were gambling at probable pathological levels. A series of logistic regressions were conducted to examine factors associated with nonproblem and problem gambling. The results revealed few differences between those gambling at nonproblem and problem levels. Problem gamblers were more likely to be male and report feelings of anxiety and depression. There were no differences related to income, social support, education, employment, age, location of residence, perceived health status or substance use. Finally, inspection of the psychometric properties of the SOGS-R showed that the instrument might not be an appropriate tool for assessing problem gambling among older adults. The results from this study highlight areas for further research as well as identify directions for public awareness messages, prevention initiatives and treatment strategies for older adults.