Types of Gambling

While people tend to think of casinos as the place where gambling takes place, there are other games of chance and activities that can become addictive. They are available at community centers, churches, senior living centers, and in the homes of family and friends. Some, like commodities and options trading, are actually legitimate business activities that can become as addictive and financially damaging as casino gambling or horse racing.

Baccarat Blackjack Bingo Cards Casino games Cock fights Commodities market Craps Dice Dogfights Dominos Greyhound racing Horse racing Harness racing Indian casinos

Internet gambling Jai Alai Keno Lottery Off-track betting Numbers Options markets Betting on bowling, pool or games of skill Riverboat gambling Roulette Slot machines Stock market Sports betting Video poker

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

These are among the signs that gambling has gone from a pastime to a problem:

• Talks about wins, not losses
• Lies about gambling directly or by omission
• Chases losses
• Gambling as means to cope
• Gambling in spite of negative consequences, such as large losses or family problems
• Unexplained absence of household or personal items
• Withdrawal from family, friends
• Started gambling with a group, but now gambles alone
• Bored without gambling... "There’s nothing else to do."
• Gambling has become the only form of recreation and socialization
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Borrowing money from family and friends
• Unable to meet living expenses previously met
• Depleting financial reserves
• Gambling on credit
• Gave up on effort to form new friendships or interests after a geographic move

Contact

For more information, contact the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior HelpLine.