Why are older gamblers healthier - They don't get the flu.

The Day newspaper in Connecticut USA, home of the Mohegan Sun casino may have provided the reason why some older gamblers are healthier - they get free or discounted immunisations. Here is a quote reprinted in CasinoWire.

Casinos Promote Flu Shots

Friday, October 31 2003

Several health organizations in the U.S. have made use of casinos, with their highly elderly populations, to conduct flu and pneumonia immunization programs. Seniors, who are at an increased health risk from the influenza virus and its complications, account for as much as a third of all casino visits. Susan Peak, the wellness coordinator at the Visiting Nurse's Association of Central Connecticut, says the casino is "an ideal place" to administer flu shots, and both health care workers and casino spokesmen say promoting flu shots for patrons and employees is good for business. The casino – with thousands of people in an enclosed space handling chips, money and slot-machine levers – is an ideal environment for viruses to easily spread from person to person. "It costs $18 for a flu shot, and over $1,000 for a day in the hospital,” says Peak. Her association administered inoculations at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut Wednesday afternoon. Some casino patrons paid $18 for the shot, while others used Medicare or private insurance to cover the vaccination. Others used 18 casino credits earned from The Player's Club.

Is this good or bad? GG is not sure but you would think that there would be other alternatives for older adults that also provide these benefits and is still attractive. Also it may cost $1000 a day for to care for the ill in hospital but what are the real costs to gambling for the community.

Older adults should receive the care and health support such as vaccinations that they need, but they shouldn't be encourage to gamble in order to get it.

What do you think?

GG