DEAR ABBY: How do you deal with an elderly aunt who has a gambling problem? I live in a city with casinos. She lives in another state four hours away. She calls me often asking to stay with me, and if I travel she asks to use my house etc.

A year ago she called me to help her get kicked out of the game in the state she lives in because she was out of control. She can no longer gamble where she lives, can no longer afford a hotel to go to casino towns and considers me her gambling refuge.

I explained that I have a roommate and my place is small. I have no interest in having someone who spends hours at a craps table coming to my house (I’m health conscious), and I absolutely cannot welcome them as a guest. She won’t give up! Is my only option to end communication with her? — DON’T BET ON HER

DEAR DON’T BET: Screening your calls is an option. The other is to constantly repeat your mantra that you can’t host him because you have a roommate and your place is too small. Then encourage her to find another hobby. If you do, she might stop asking you and look for another facilitator.