How to talk with older clients about gambling

CrossCurrents

If you think an older adult may have a gambling problem, a few questions may help to identify the problem. Encourage the person to talk about their gambling, without asking whether they have a problem. Start by asking:

• What do you do for fun?
• Do you ever play bingo or the lottery?
• Do you ever go to the casino or racetrack?
  

If the person says they gamble regularly and are willing to talk about it, ask:

• What do you like about going to the casino (or playing bingo, the lottery, etc.)? 
• Is there anything you don’t like about it?

How older adults answer these questions may suggest that they spend more than they feel they should, or that they wish they could stop but need to win first. You can then mention that gambling can cause problems for many people and that some counsellors specialize in helping people with gambling-related problems. If the person shows interest, arrange to connect them with a qualified gambling counsellor.

Adapted from Responding to Older Adults with Substance Use, Mental Health and Gambling Challenges, 2006, CAMH Healthy Aging Project.

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