Abstract: A Longitudinal Study on Gambling Attitudes, Behaviors, and Motivations among Urban Elders (Research that Promotes Sustainability and (re)Builds Strengths (January 15 - 18, 2009))
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34P A Longitudinal Study on Gambling Attitudes, Behaviors, and Motivations among Urban Elders

Schedule:
Friday, January 16, 2009
Preservation Hall (New Orleans Marriott)
* noted as presenting author
Fayetta Martin, MSW, DL , Wayne State University, Assistant Professor, Detroit, MI
Peter A. Lichtenberg, PhD, ABPP , Wayne State University, Director of the Institute of Gerontology & Professor of Psychology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences &, Detroit, MI
Thomas Templin, PhD , Wayne State University, Associate Professor-Research, Detroit, MI
A Longitudinal Study on Gambling Attitudes, Behaviors, and Motivations among Urban Elders

Purpose and Background: The American Gaming Association (AGA) has reported dramatic increases in gambling in the United States and Canada in the past few decades. Since the legalization of gambling in Detroit in 1966, gambling (particularly casino gambling) has increased dramatically among all age groups, but particularly among elder adults. Guided by self-determination theory, the main purpose of this research study was to explored demographic characteristics, attitudes toward casinos, and self-reported intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for casino gambling by urban elders. The study hypothesized a greater level of participation in casino gambling by participants who reported an intrinsic motivation for casino gambling (e.g., entertainment, enjoyment) rather than an extrinsic motivation (e.g., financial gain).

Methods: The sample consisted of 247 urban adults who had participated in a similar survey in 2005. The survey consisted of (a) demographic items, (b) five items to measure attitudes toward casino gambling, and (c) a questions inquiring about motivations for casino gambling.

Results: The sample was largely female, African American, and fairly well educated (half with at least some college experience). About half were widowed, and the sample generally reported a low income (over half reported less than $20,000 annual income). Attitudes toward gambling were generally positive; the majority reported that casinos in Detroit were safe and good for Detroit. Motivations for participating in casino gambling were more frequently intrinsic (e.g., entertainment, escape, socialization) and less frequently extrinsic (e.g., win money, supplement income).

Discussion: The results supported the theoretical perspective underlying the project. The hypothesis of a greater level of participation in casino gambling by participants who reported an intrinsic motivation for casino gambling (e.g., entertainŽment, enjoyment) rather than an extrinsic motivation (e.g., financial gain). Results suggest the need for further investigation of the role of casino activities in the lives of elder adults, particularly with regard to social integration and healthy aging.

Conclusions and Implications: The study findings provide an initial profile of urban elders and their attitudes, motivations, and gambling behaviors. This research represents for social workers an important step toward understanding the attitudes, behaviors, and motivational factors involved in gambling among older adults to provide a basis for prevention and treatment interventions among this population.