Gambling can be a form of entertainment or escape. But in both cases, it is short-lived, and once it is over, the cost can be devastating. Seniors on a fixed income all too often must decide between paying a utility bill or buying a prescription. For many, there are no discretionary funds for gambling.

The greatest problem is that a gambling addiction may not be realized until a savings account has been depleted and bills have not been paid. A compulsive gambler can hide the compulsion for years. Family and friends might have no idea that gambling is a problem. Unlike alcoholics or drug addicts, there are very limited physical or behavioral signs of the problem.

Of those treated in Oklahoma in 2007 for a gambling addiction, 19 percent were ages 55 to 64.

A University of Pennsylvania study concluded that more than 1 in 10 seniors were "at risk” gamblers, this being defined as one who bets more than $100 at a time or more than they could afford to lose. This survey also showed that of the 843 seniors surveyed, 70 percent had participated in some form of gambling in the past year.

Gamblers Anonymous offers the following questions to anyone who may have a gambling problem. These questions are provided to help people decide if they are a compulsive gambler and want to stop gambling:

•Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

•Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

•Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?

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

•After a win, did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

•Did you gamble until your last dollar was gone?

•Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

•Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?

•Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?

•Does gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?

•Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

•Do you ever have an urge to celebrate good fortune by gambling a few hours?

For more information about Gamblers Anonymous or to seek help if you believe you have a problem, call the national hot line for Gamblers Anonymous at (888) 424-3577.

I have heard the saying, "Only take as much money to gamble as you can afford to lose.” The reality is that most seniors cannot afford to lose. For a senior living on a fixed income that often isn't enough to cover the necessities of life, gambling isn't a good choice for a hobby. Loneliness, boredom or cravings for excitement and socialization can be overcome in ways other than gambling.