Ways to Pass The Time

March 20, 2008 on 1:25 pm | In Some of This Some of That | 2 Comments

I finally started reading a book I’d purchased a few weeks ago. The main character is a gal in New Jersey who leads a very interesting life, to say the least. She has a grandma that is full of spunk and vinegar and this particular book centers quite a bit around her.

I think I only got as far as the 2nd or 3rd chapter, but the grandma has stumbled across a duffel bag full of money and, because she found it on St. Patrick’s day, she believes it is her “pot of gold” and thereby, she feels she doesn’t need to turn this money over to the police. Instead, she heads to Atlantic City to spend some time in the casino. She’s such a character, she adds a lot of humor to the story.

Anyway, in reading previous books by the same author, with the same characters, one thing I’ve learned is that the senior citizens in New Jersey really enjoy spending their time at the casinos. They love playing the slots and, as in the case of grandma, machine poker. It got me wondering about seniors in real life. I visited a casino in Indiana a couple of years ago and I was shocked at the fact that most of the clientele were seniors! So much for having to live on a fixed income!

In today’s internet world, I wonder how many seniors utilize online contests and game websites. I think the benefit is that these individuals, who may not be able to get out and about, have access to something they enjoy, particularly if, once a member, there are unlimited chances at winning cash or a prize.

What do you think? Do any of you play online games? How about your grandparents?

2 Comments

  1. Ever since West Virginia legalized Limited Video Lottery slots (run by the state Lottery Commission), they’ve been popping up quicker than weeds. The city where I grew up had something like 187 LVL parlors — and a population of under 20,000.

    Folks see it as LITERALLY playing the lottery. High unemployment doesn’t help; there’s a lot of desperation. Losing your welfare check in the machine only makes it worse.

    Tammie’s last blog post..Songbirds?

    Comment by Tammie — March 20, 2008 #

  2. Tammie – I agree with you. I was so surprised the last time I was in a casino in Indiana. We only went in to have lunch at the buffet! The place was filled with retired senior citizens. Are they there because they’re bored? I hate seeing them spend their retirement that way.

    Comment by Lynne — March 21, 2008 #

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