A study has shown that problem gambling has been linked to the aging process.  Problem gambling obviously occurs across the spectrum of land-based and online gamblers, however, it now seems that the incidence of problem gambling is higher for certain groups of people.  The study indicates that the incidences of problem gambling are more prevalent amongst those of advanced age.

The study which looked into this issue was carried out in Australia, at the University of Queensland, by Professor Bill von HIppel.  The study shows that as the brain atrophies, which it does slowly during the aging process, those of advanced age find it more difficult to control compulsive gambling urges.

The reason for the lack of self-control in the aged seems to be connected to the fact that the frontal lobes of the brain shrink when aging.  The frontal lobes of the brain are the part of the brain that helps to prevent impulsive action from occurring.

On the other hand, it may well be that the elderly have more time available to them for gambling than others do, and possibly less resources if they are not working anymore.  These two factors may well affect the outcome of any study that is done in connection with the elderly and online gambling problems.

Although the testing done for the study seems to show that the aged have more problem gamblers than groups of younger players, this does not prove beyond doubt that the study has obtained the correct answers.  Von Hippel has noted that the only way to study the situation correctly is over a longer period of time, using a longitudinal study, since it is difficult to separate out other factors, which affect the results, from the aging process.