Understanding gambling among older Filipino-Canadians: recommendations for social work intervention for older gamblers with minority cultural backgrounds

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study describes gambling motives, behavior, and help-seeking patterns in older Filipino-Canadians through a life-course perspective. Eighteen older Filipino gamblers, three social workers and four gambling service providers in a central Canadian city were interviewed. This study reveals that older Filipino gamblers’ conceptualization of gambling is greatly influenced by their culture of origin, their life trajectories, and their loved ones. Controlled gamblers hold positive to neutral views toward gambling, while problem gamblers generally hold negative views. For some of them, visiting casinos meets their need for active leisure activities. The study concludes with suggestions for social workers on working with older gamblers with minority cultural backgrounds.