Adults 55+ and Gambling

In 2001 a study was conducted to look at the extent of gambling and problem gambling in Ontario. You may be surprised to know that five out of six adults contacted stated that they had gambled at least once in the preceding year. The most common activity identified by the participants was the purchase of lottery tickets followed by raffle tickets, scratch tickets and playing slot machines.

A large percentage of this group (approximately 95%) gambles as an occasional form of entertainment. For them, gambling is a social or recreational activity - something that is fun and entertaining. However, for some, gambling causes problems and for others it becomes uncontrollable. Sister Margaret Smith Centre at St. Joseph’s Care Group is proud to have been offering programs to the community since the early sixty’s. The Centre has offered specialized services for problem gambling since 1998.

In another study by Responsible Gambling Council and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, it was found that older adults, 60 years and older are the least likely age to have gambling-related problems. Of those aged 60 or older, 2.1% are experiencing moderate to severe gambling-related problems.

Some people gamble as a way of coping to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation or in response to life’s stresses such as chronic illness or chronic pain. The most commonly reported gambling problems relate to income loss or debt. Financial pressures can often lead to personal stress, relationship problems, family conflict and isolation. Financial problems can be extremely stressful for families and individuals when gambling is a concern. The Gambling Program at Sister Margaret Smith Centre works in close collaboration with the Credit Counselling Program at Family Services Thunder Bay to address the difficulties people are experiencing in this area. Help can take the form of development of a personal budgeting plan, direct involvement with creditors or arranging manageable payments through a Debt Repayment Plan. While the financial pressure is being eased, the Gambling counsellor will continue to work with the individual and family to monitor progress, and to offer counselling and support in order to reduce the risk of relapse.

Everyone can benefit from knowing how to set healthy limits when gambling and by learning how to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling behaviours. The Problem Gambling Services of Sister Margaret Smith Centre promote a holistic, harm reduction, strength-based approach to the treatment and prevention of problem gambling. The Older Adult Programs provides a wide range of services from individual assessments and counselling to educational and therapeutic groups. We also offer a series of Continuing Care modules designed to help all clients maintain and enhance the changes they have begun to make. Services are available for people who gamble and for family members affected by the gambling behaviour of loved ones. All services are flexible and adapted to meet individual needs.

Services are confidential, provided by trained gambling counsellors and 100% funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Appointments are available on site of the Sister Margaret Smith Centre, or outreach appointments can be arranged. A counsellor is available through the Gambling Program Intake at (807) 343-2425, to answer your questions and offer timely assistance.

Wondering if you are spending too much time or money on gambling activities?

• Click here to view our quick quiz

Are you concerned about someone else’s involvement with gambling?

Research has shown that older adults are affected by the gambling behaviour of others. That other person could be:

• Spouse
• Adult child
• Grandchild
• Friend
• Sibling

When people we love are in trouble the first thing we often want to do is to help. Sometimes we feel helpless because we don’t know exactly what to do to help. Some ways to be of assistance to a loved one who is experiencing problems with gambling are:

• Learn about the “signs and symptoms of problem gambling”.
• Talk to your family member in a calm caring way so that they are more likely to hear what you have to say. Tell them about all the behaviour changes that you have seen. Let them know that you are concerned. Offer information about where they can get help for problem gambling.
• Remember to avoid giving money or advice.
• If you feel that you need to provide financial support, buy what the person needs for example: groceries, make the mortgage payment in person, or take the grandchildren shopping yourself. Don’t give money.
• Take time to look after yourself, your finances and your responsibilities first.
• Sometimes people who get in trouble with gambling make bad choices in life. They may become hurtful or dishonest in their dealings with you. Speak up for yourself and protect yourself from harm. If you are concerned about your welfare contact the Thunder Bay Elder Abuse Prevention Committee.

What can I do to stop gambling?

There are many things you can do:

• Contact the Sister Margaret Smith Centre at (807) 343-2425 and gain an understanding of gambling and the surrounding issues. The Gambling Program offers a multifaceted program to help people who are experiencing difficulties related to gambling. This service is offered to the gambler as well as concerned others. Individuals may enter services whether they have specific goals to work on, or if they just want to explore what their choices might be.
• Call the Ontario Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-230-3505
• Talk with people that you can trust and that will be supportive of you.
• Become involved in other activities and spend time with friends that do not gamble.
• Make a list of all the benefits of stopping or reducing your gambling.

Many Older Adults enjoy activities that involve gambling such as bingo and trips to their local casino, as a way to socialize. These older adults experience little or no problems in their lives because of gambling.

How to Keep the Fun in Gambling:

Gamble to have fun, not to make money, to pay bills, or to solve your problems.

• Expect to lose money.
• Don’t gamble with money that’s meant for food.
• Plan in advance.
• Decide in advance how much money you can spend and how long you will stay.
• Gambling is only one of your leisure activities.
• You are involved in a variety of activities that offer relaxation and excitement.

Ontario Resource Group on Problem Gambling and Older Adults (55+):

• Click here to view our Betting on Older Adults Manual -
• Click here to view our Brochure with Network Providers -

To address concerns in the province of Ontario regarding the impact of gambling on older adults (55+) the Sister Margaret Smith Centre in Thunder Bay and LESA (Life Enrichment for Senior Adults) in Ottawa and Sault Area Hospitals in Sault Ste. Marie are funded by The Mental Health and Addictions Branch (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) to provide problem gambling services to older adults. These programs are working together to develop resources and prevention/awareness information specific to the older population. To learn more about their work visit http://www.rgco.org/olderadults/

• LESA: http://www.centretownchc.org/addictions_services.htm
• Sault Area Hospitals: http://www.sah.on.ca/

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