Senior News Line
The risks of gambling

I asked a friend: "What do you know about seniors who gamble?" She chuckled and replied, "I know that for some of us, just getting out of bed in the morning is a gamble."

Sure, sometimes gambling can be enjoyable if we go with a group to a casino for a weekend. Free meals, tokens and entertainment are just part of the attraction. For many of us it's not about gambling anyway -- there's the social aspect, the bright lights, the excitement. And of course there's the thrill of the chase: What if we win big?

But what if gambling, either by yourself or a spouse, gets out of hand? Winning money isn't the only reason some of us gamble. It can be an escape from anxiety or problems (although we sometimes end up feeling worse then before). What if our financial security is put at risk? We aren't as able to replace money that's lost through gambling, usually because we're on a fixed income and no longer work.

You don't have to go to a casino to gamble irresponsibly. Lottery tickets, sports bets, horse racing -- it's all gambling, and it can be devastating if it gets out of hand. Gambling is so serious that there's even a Gamblers Anonymous, and a group for friends and family, Gam-Anon.

Here are a few questions from Gamblers Anonymous to help you determine if you have a gambling problem:

Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

After losing, did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?

Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

To see more questions, visit www.gamblersanonymous. org or call the Gamblers Anonymous Hotline at 888-424-3577 for a group in your area.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.