Gambling and older adults: there is no safe bet!

This article aims to alert geriatricians and gerontologists about the risks of gambling among older adults. Although institutionalized gambling has existed in Brazil since the golden age of casinos, despite being a recreational activity not everyone gambles in a healthy way. Some people’s gambling becomes problematic and they lose control of their behavior, resulting in a gambling disorder, which could lead to financial, emotional, social, and health damage. Currently, the abundance and easy access to online gambling seems to have increased the risk of problem gambling for vulnerable groups, and we are already experiencing a national epidemic of gambling disorder. Older people may be included in this group, since they present some risk factors for problem gambling, such as a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, social isolation, and feelings of loneliness. Gambling to relieve a dysphoric mood is a diagnostic criterion for gambling disorder. Because government surveys have shown the extent of older adult participation in online gambling, geriatricians and gerontologists should not disregard the real risk that older people may develop problematic gambling patterns — even online —, and these specialists should pay attention to certain signs and behaviors. The Lie/Bet Questionnaire is recommended for screening problem gambling behavior and can facilitate care for older adults with gambling problems.