Psychiatrists warn of problem gambling rise among over-65s

Psychiatrists are warning of a surprising spike in gambling addiction among the over-65s, following the highest growth in internet betting since before the epidemic.

According to a Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), they review thru Gambling Commission statistics, around 620,000 more over-65s gamble online at least once a month in 2019

Anxiety caused by isolation during lockdown, financial concerns, and disruption of normal routines have also been suggested as possible reasons why more older people have turned to online betting, with data showing that increased online betting outweighs the reduction in betting shop use caused by social distancing restrictions.

“Not every gambler develops a gambling condition, but some do.” Gambling problem is a disorder that, if left untreated, may lead to severe distress, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.”

Read more here: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/20/psychiatrists-warn-problem-gambling-rise-over-60s-great-britain.