As a physician recently said, (whether we are talking about young people or seniors,) the problem with gambling is the winning … as it feeds the compulsion!

This blog discusses my former work on this topic…and the latest and most concerning - addictive nature of online gambling among seniors. Basically ignored in the news media!

1) Imagine my surprise when a former New Haven, Connecticut Police Chief was featured in the latest AARP cover story about the evils of online gambling, particularly as it relates to seniors!

As many Connecticut and New York publications have reported, the former Chief, Karl Jacobson was applauded for his inroads and successes in the past with community policing,prior to his arrest in January 2026 when he was confronted by three assistant chiefs.

Two funds were misused including the funds earmarked for New Haven’s

Youth Sports Police Activity League and a fund used to pay confidential informants.

Various numbers have been reported including $10,000, $85,500,

Bets totalling $4.46 million with a net loss of $214,365.

The larcenies were attributed to the gambling apps DraftKings and FanDuel. Jacobson pleaded ‘not guilty ‘on April 17, 2026, initiating the legal process and opting for a jury trial.

2) Another High Profile Gambling Addition Story from October 2021- when I reposted my podcast -

WHEN ADDICTION CROSSES THE LINE INTO CRIME–GAMBLING

It's so very disappointing when you put your trust in legislators who let you down in a BIG way...CT Rep Michael DiMassa - W. Haven had a conflict of interest with his other government job. He and his boss were in charge of Federal COVID funds after which Dimassa created a 'shell company' in order to spend over $630,000 gambling! Many people we know have addictions, but to commit crimes and betray the public trust, THAT's another matter!

The aftermath- Former Connecticut Representative Michael DiMassa was sentenced to 27 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay $856,844.45 in restitution for embezzling over $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief and city funds. His wife, Lauren DiMassa, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and received a sentence of 6 months in prison followed by 6 months of home confinement, plus $147,776.10.

In 2014, with my original blog-podcast feature, I was so fortunate to focus on Problem Gambling with Mary Drexler, MSW, Executive Director of the Connecticut Council on Gambling… AND a brave recovering gambling addict.
“When the door closes so many times (for employment after gambling) you only go back to what you know best…We’re not all bad people. We’ve just made some bad choices in our lives.”Gambling Survivor Donna Zaharevitz

In 2014, I wrote: “There is nothing more valuable in life than to be relatively problem free, healthy and debt free. However, what would it be like to have your ‘house of cards’ come crashing down around you and out of control in an instant?

Gambling is a kind of “in the shadows “addiction, as you can’t readily see it, smell it, taste it or touch it! By the time it is recognized for what it truly is, the gambler has honed his/her skills by avoiding, lying, stealing from others, and rationalizing their behaviors in favor of “the rush.” Included attractions are the big casino lights, in which night and day cannot be distinguished, the glamour, the booze and cigarettes, buffet tickets offered freely, a buck and a scratch off ticket “are one buck away from hitting it big,” or picking the lucky long shot horse or odds on favorite. Lest we forget, the big win bingo parlors sponsored by the church or the Native American Indians (which can’t be a bad thing…Right?) Finally, emerging serious addictions to be added to the list are sports betting of football, basketball, baseball etc. by increasing numbers of young adults and internet gaming!”

**My apologies for not being able to share the former podcast -now- no longer available! It was riveting!

In summary, available in the CT General Assembly record-

When Donna Zaharevitz, a Connecticut woman whose story was widely covered, ran out of her own money chasing slot machine losses, she began stealing and forging checks from an employer, her friends, and others around her to fund her gambling.

Key Details of Her Actions:

Embezzlement & Theft: She stole checks and deposit slips from individuals and an employer, writing them out with the hope of winning big and putting the money back before anyone noticed.
Arrest and Conviction: The wins never happened. Her actions eventually caught up with her, leading to her arrest and a negotiated criminal disposition that resulted in losing her home.

Zaharevitz ultimately sought treatment, entered recovery, and dedicated the following years to working as a peer counselor and advocate to help others struggling with gambling addiction.

See Donna’s testimony here- https://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/psdata/tmy/2015SB-01090-R000317-Donna%20Zaharevitz%20CT%20Council%20on%20Problem%20Gambling-TMY.PDF

My apologies for not being able to share the former podcast now- no longer available! It was riveting!

BUT, the talking points from our podcast included-

What is the difference between pathological and problem gambling?
What is the spectrum, the continuum of disorders?
Is the expansion of gambling as extra revenue a good idea?
How young can an addict be?
What are the two forms of gambling that are the most addicting quickly?
How did Donna’s problem escalate?
What is a progressive slot machine?
What did Donna do when she ran out of money?
What was Donna’s punishment?
What are the dangers and concerns of electronic gambling such as Keno?
How do you replace the void of gambling?
What role do the Foxwoods Mohegan Sun casinos and the State Lottery have?
What collaborative efforts have taken place with the CT Lottery and the CCPG?
During the economic downturn, where did the problem gamblers go?
Discussion of funding sources

In 2026, the risks are higher than ever, as a gambler often is unaware of the built in incentives and algorithms that appeal to seniors, track your behavior. When you are sitting at a casino table, you can readily see when your cash flow-chips disappear and you must get up to replenish. But, with online gambling, it just takes the tap of a finger which activates continuous charges on your credit card.

Reportedly, seniors began increased online gambling during COVID out of boredom, depression, escape from depression and a myriad of problems. Hypothetically, you are able to place bets lighting fast. [$1.00 bet every 3 seconds would rack up $1,200.00 per hour 7 days per week with many apps!]

The beauty and evil of it all is that you can participate in online gambling anywhere, instantly!

The precursor to all of these added problems, temptations, and yes, revenue to state governments, began with a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed legalized sports betting. Currently 32 states allow sports betting and 7 can gamble in online casinos.

It appears that illegality elsewhere is ‘just a technicality.’

Regarding seniors, they suffer more losses with family and friends passing away and acquired health problems. In Connecticut, 1 person in 9 of senior age calls into their helpline, in Nevada - 1 in 3 are over 50 or older, with seniors comprising of at least 30 to 40% of problem gamblers, who typically don’t seek treatment ( according to psychiatric data in the May/June 2026 Issue of AARP Magazine.)

It is a sad commentary that we even need to bring these issues to public awareness. Why is this form of gambling pushed so hard? It’s all about the money, yet again! - Potential destruction of so many lives is not even considered. There has been a flood of such TV commercials lately with actors and sports stars of yesteryear, targeting seniors who, as a group, are consistent TV watchers. (C’mon, Ty Pennington, do you really need the money that badly? No!)

***The suicide rate for gamblers is 4 times higher than those in the general population.

Hope for the future? The Federal SAFE BET ACT (2025-2026) Championed by Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT ) and Representative Paul Tonko (NY) ( It treats sports gambling as a public health issue rather than just a commercial industry.)

It addresses severe restrictions on advertising, prohibits AI from tracking users and creating individual promotions with no betting allowed during college or amateur sports games.

https://tonko.house.gov/uploadedfiles/safe_bet_legislative_outline_3.24.pdf

Thus far, it has NOT passed!

It appears that profits NOT people is business as usual!

For you and those seniors ( and others) you care about -

https://gamblersanonymous.org/u-s-hotlines/

Thanks for reading and sharing! I’d appreciate your comments!

Donna

Before you go… More blogs to enjoy!
1) https://donnagore.com/blog/how-to-engage-on-line-or-off-its-a-shared-experience;

2) https://donnagore.com/blog/senior-living-fromnbsp-ungracious-living-to-a-cruise-ship-environment