There are a variety of causes for women developing issues with gambling. The reason could be boredom or unhappy, or find themselves in a need of escape from their reality. Things happen in our lives, for example, children being moved out, the loss of a loved one, or financial strains may result in excessive gambling.
The casinos are well aware that their marketing strategies apply to males can alienate the majority of women. The result is an evolution in their approach which is now embracing more feminine and gender-neutral themes.
Statisticians on gambling among females
While gambling is generally thought of as to be a masculine activity, women are increasingly becoming victims of gambling-related harm. This is true especially with regard to online gambling. Since the last few years, the amount of women looking for treatment for problems related to gambling has increased to a staggering rate. In spite of this only a handful of women have jobs in gambling research or the regulatory sector. Self-help groups are dominated by males and may discourage women from participating.
Using a qualitative methodology using a qualitative approach, researchers surveyed an easy sample of 509 Australian women to ask them about their participation in gambling in relation to product choices and views of harmful effects. The data were analysed using a series of analytical tools, including inductive and deductive codes. The resultant themes were mapped to three categories of axiality, that were correlated with three specific moments when women’s experiences were described in terms of the harm they suffered from gambling. These findings are crucial for studying the gender disparities which exist in the gambling behaviour and also highlight the necessity for a gender-specific approach in interventions to improve public health.
Gambling gender gap
Since gambling venues and products have become more readily available and regulated and accepted by the public, women have higher rates of gambling involvement than they have ever. The gender divide in harm that gambling causes has been worsened. Males are three times more likely to become problem gamblers as females.
Various risks have been linked with the increased prevalence of gambling among females, which includes an impulsive response to stress and taking risks. The research has shown that both of these factors can be a significant predictor of gambling engagement and problems. It is crucial to remember that these factors may not be able to explain why certain subgroups of females have a higher risk for harms related to gambling.
This is why researchers are developing a model for combating gender disparities in gambling-related harm. The framework was developed based on techniques that are successful in tobacco control, and is adapted to meet the needs specific to women who are involved in preventing harm from gambling. It outlines key considerations that should be taken into consideration when conducting research, policies and application.
Women’s online gambling habits
Females are more likely to gamble online. Growing popularity of online gambling and its ability to accommodate hectic lifestyles is likely the reason for this trend. But, very few studies have examined how the gambling behavior, product preferences and perceived negative effects differ across subgroups women.
This is the reason that women face a more risk of developing gambling difficulties. Also, they’re more likely to seek out help regarding these problems.
Research has also revealed that women are playing more often and with a wider range of products as compared to men. It is particularly the case with younger generations. This may be a sign that women are moving away from games of gambling based on chance, such as EGMs and moving towards games that are built on skill as well as knowledge. Additionally, they are more likely to gamble alongside their friends rather than with men. This is in line with the increased socialization of gambling, which is frequently featured in television advertisements that feature ladies playing the slots in a fun and flirty way.
Gambling addiction in women
Gambling is typically thought of as an activity dominated by men, but many women suffer from difficulties with gambling. They are seeking treatment. Particularly in the midst of stressful situations, for example during the time of the Pandemic where people played online games and apps to reduce stress. Researchers try to figure out what caused this, and how it could be avoided.
Some theories suggest the reason for this change can be attributed to the “feminization in gambling that has led to it becoming more accessible and less stigmatising for females. Further research is needed to understand the way that gambling addiction affects women of different subgroups. In particular, it is important to explore how they think about the dangers of gambling, and the way this differs among sub-groups. It is possible to develop harm-prevention measures and strategies that are more suitable for women. This approach has been efficient in other fields, such as the tobacco control. It may also be useful for tackling problems with gambling in teens and young children.