I have stood at the craps table many times over the last 30 years. To this day I am always amazed at the "old timers" that get up from their wheel chairs, drag their oxygen tanks or shuffle in and pull up a chair, all for a chance to shoot the dice. Often you can see that they are ill or have a physical ailment but when they have those dice in their hand they are 25 year old studs. They will be yelling for "yo’s", calling hardways, and screaming for their point. They are rejuvenated. It is magic, no… it is a minor miracle.
If they are on a winning streak and the rail is filling you can see the sparkle of their lost youth in their eye.
My parents reside in a "adult community" in Toms River NJ.(about 45 mins from AC) I can not tell tell you how many times I have been there when their friends come by and ask them if they want to go for a trip to Atlantic City. Their entire demeanor changes when they recall a recent trip or talk about one that is planned for the future. I speak to them and I see them light up speaking about how much they love their trips, whether they drive down or join a monthly community bus trip.
When you think of it, it makes sense. Older people miss the thrill ofthe physical competition they enjoyed in sports in their youth. Whether it was swimming,baseball, wrestling or golf, the competition drove hormones, endorphins and adrenaline through their younger body. The battle against the casino is a chance to experience the competition again.
Plus they are out, they are socializing, having a bite to eat and maybe even a cocktail. The old guys can oogle the pretty girls, The ladies may get a flirty compliment by a dealer practicing his customer relations skills. This is a great feeling.
The casino atmosphere serves as a FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH..
We can see it here. GTC has been around a number of years now. The membership is aging but the casino keeps them engaged. The pursuit of an advantage or even just learning the smart bets, low house edge bets, that provide a chance to come home a winner is an interesting and challenging use of the time available to the retiree.
A senior that picks up a card counting book and spends the time to learn the methods, is doing the mental calisthenics that so many experts advocate to battle the shrinking brain. A old timer that stands at the practice rig tossing the dice and retrieving them is getting exercise. Hell just walking around the warehouse sized casino is a great exercise.
So keep these benefits in mind when you think about craps and gambling in general.

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