The man interviewed for this story is 81 year old Jack F. He played the slots in Atlantic City for years with no problem...until he tried it online. He and his wife were retired, their house was paid off and they were living comfortably. That changed when he started gambling on his phone at night out of boredom. Have you ever made a decision out of boredom and didn't think it through?

With apps like Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly and slots on the Borgata Casino he'd downloaded, Jack was soon playing 5 nights a week and racking up losses as much as $5,000 a night. "It happened so quickly. It's just so easy to get hooked," Jack confessed. A lot of media has shed light on young men getting hooked on Internet gambling but few have paid attention to the ways older Americans are vulnerable to online gambling. How easily do you think a fun activity can slide into an obsession?

Ted Hartwell is the former director of storytelling at the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling. He summed it nicely when he noted most older people have been fine gambling recreationally most of their lives. But as they get older, they're subject to stressors related to health, loss of loved ones and feelings of isolation. Gambling becomes a way to numb some of the emotional or physical pain. As with any addiction, help is available. The National Problem Gambling Helpline answers calls 24 hours, seven days a week. (800) 697-3738. There is also a Spanish language option. Another choice is Gamblers Anonymous. The 12-step programs are free to attend. Their website is gamblersanonymous.org and lists their state hotlines and meeting directories. Would you be willing to suggest help to a friend or loved one who may be getting into deep waters with gambling?