Video Poker as a Hobby

[FloridaPhil]

The vast majority of casino regulars in Florida are seniors.  I seriously doubt seniors have a gambling problem any more than the general population.  Seniors are generally wiser and more frugal having lived and survived the numerous ups and downs that are a normal part of life.   The stereotype of senior citizens as stupid, senile, drug impaired or out of touch is ridiculous and uninformed.The truth is most seniors go to the casino for recreation and companionship and not the actual gambling.  Isolation, boredom and depression are much more of a threat to seniors than losing their money.   Many seniors have accumulated serious money during their lifetime, but they don't throw it away frivolously.   They are also not gullible enough to believe anyone makes good money from gambling.I have seen a fair number of medical issues in a casino, most are caused by people not taking their medicine.  Recently an older guy next to me passed out at the machine.  He was a diabetic and had forgotten to take his medicine.  The EMTs took him to the hospital which probably saved his life.  Every now and then, someone falls down or has a heart attack.  Casino gambling is something you can do even if you have to crawl in the place and some do.I stick to single line video poker and only play slots if I am seriously ahead for the day. I use computer perfect play strategy most of time and I don't expect to make a profit.  I always consider each day as a separate entity which is the main reason I come home with money.  Video poker gets me out of the house for a full day each week and allows my wife and I to spend quality time together on our frequent VP vacations.   Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose.  The net result is I get enjoyment from the game and it pays me on occasion.  No complaints.  

[billryan]

Yeah, why believe scientific studies. They are as useful as math.

[FloridaPhil]

Spoken as a true believer.   I'm so happy you're still with us.  I was afraid we lost you... 

[paco13]

Hmmm, what's weird is I never put the 2 together but I started receiving mailers and advertisements from AARP and other senior geared organizations, insurance companies etc. a few years back and wondered why. I am 45 now. A few years ago happens to be when I started frequenting casino's. Wonder if they share info or maybe just coincidence.

[FloridaPhil]

AARP is owned and operated by an insurance company that wants to sell you insurance.  People that sell products and/or services often market themselves as experts.  Sound familiar? 

[billryan]

AARP is a non profit institute.
While Phil is entitled to his opinions, he is not allowed to make up his own facts.
I'll repeat. AARP is not owned by an insurance company. Any one who claims that is, at best, misinformed.

[FAA]

I'm sorry, what's AARP exactly?

[FloridaPhil]

AARP, Inc., formerly the American Association of Retired Persons,
is a United States-based interest group with a membership founded in
1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, Ph.D., a retired educator from California,
and Leonard Davis, later the founder of the Colonial Penn Group of
insurance companies.AARP is a good thing.  Their insurance is competitive and we enjoy discounts associated with their membership as well as their magazine.  They are also involved in Washington lobbying efforts.   It is important to realize they are primarily in the business of marketing insurance products because it affects their world view and opinions on particular issues. There is nothing wrong with a commercial enterprise working for the benefit of their customers as long as the customers are aware of it's motivation.My point is...  Whenever someone markets themselves as an expert on anything, first ask yourself if they have anything to gain from their answers before you accept everything they say as gospel.  Not everyone that uses this marketing tactic is a fraud, but you should be aware of the possibility."Caveat emptor"  

[billryan]

The same drugs that can have compulsive gambling as a side effect also list paranoia as a possible effect.
As AARP tends to advocate causes opposed by the right wing, Republicans have held several Senate hearings attempting to undermine it, even attempting to revoke its non-profit status. They failed, miserably.
The scientific study cited in the article wasn't sponsored by AARP, it was merely reported by them.

[FloridaPhil]

[quote=Bill Ryan]As AARP tends to advocate causes opposed by the right wing,[/quote]Interesting.  The common assumption seems to be that all old people are Republicans.  The primary lobbying efforts of AARP has to do with protecting the solvency of social programs like Social Security and Medicare. These are programs that many in the current Republican party have targeted for reduction.  I started paying Social Security and Medicare taxes in 1963 and am stilling paying them.   This program wasn't called an entitlement back then, it was sold as a retirement investment program.  The fact that Congress decided to "borrow" our money and send it to Iraq and Afghanistan was not my decision.  Now that the bill has come due, the weasels want out of the deal.  No wonder people are so skeptical of government.