Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

You Bet They're Having Fun! Older Americans And Casino Gambling, Linda Havir, Janet Hope

Sociology Faculty Publications

This exploratory two-stage study of a small sample of older Minnesotans finds no evidence that casino gambling activities threaten their well being. For most respondents the social benefits were the most salient parts of this activity and they were well aware of the danger signs of problem behaviors. Social exchange theory explains why they visit casinos and how much they spend. The life course perspective explains their decisions based on past behaviors and consistent with how they have lived their lives. We suggest that age norms determine the public's perceptions that casino gambling is problematic for older people. Results are …