Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
This research explores the gambling behaviours, preferences and perceptions of older adults (aged 50+) living in New Zealand, with the aim of understanding older adults’ attitudes towards gambling. It includes a general literature review and semi-structured interviews with 73 older adults.
The findings show that older adults gamble for various reasons, with financial motivation being the most common reason. Lotto was cited as the most common mode of gambling. Gambling in later life often begins with recreational intentions, which then shifts towards financial motivations – made worse by environments of economic precarity and uncertainty. Gambling activity was shown to escalate in accordance with the level of financial distress and the size of the Lotto Jackpot prize pool.
The study shows the importance and influence of social networks in both encouraging gambling and encouraging safer gambling, especially for older women. Harnessing the potential of social networks for harm reduction, such as public health campaigns that empower friends and family to promote safe gambling could be effective. Study participants had little awareness of gambling support services, and stigma and shame were key reasons for not seeking help, especially for males, and Asian and Pacific people.
The study concludes by recommending further examinations into the uptake and impact of digital gambling technologies, better understanding the intersection of gender and culture in shaping behaviours and identifying the most effective ways to communicate safe gambling messages to older adults.
