Gambling and Women

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Pathological gambling is more predominant in men than in women. However, females show a disproportionately increasing rate of gambling, which may eventually decrease the gender gap with regards to gambling rates. A number of studies have shown gender differences in gambling, including both behavioral and biological differences. A number of such findings are described below.

• Compared with the female gamblers, male gamblers tend to be younger, are more likely to have a reported annual income of more than $60,000, and are less likely to be of African American origin.
• Male gamblers are more likely than female gamblers to report a longer duration of gambling. However, women develop problems with gambling more rapidly than men once they do begin gambling. This phenomenon is described as "telescoping" and is also associated with alcohol and drug use problems.
• Women and men differ on the types of gambling they engage in and the location of their gambling. For example, women are more likely to report problems with nonstrategic gambling. Women report more problems with casino gambling, while men report more problems with non casino gambling. For example, casino slot machine gambling is more frequently problematic for women.
• High rates of depression and anxiety perceived to be caused by gambling are found for both genders. However, female gamblers are more likely than male gamblers to report anxiety and suicide attempts attributed to gambling.
• Women with problem and pathological gambling are more likely than men to have co-occurring major depression, dysthymia, and anxiety disorders.
• At-risk gambling in women may be associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms than in men.
• There appears to be a stronger association between nicotine dependence and gambling symptomatology in women compared to men.
• Although both genders report gambling-related debts, women are more likely than men to report having debts. There also appears to be gender differences in types of gambling debt. Men more often report owing money to a bookie or loan shark, while women are more likely to report credit card debt.
• There also appears to be gender differences in motivation to gamble. Women more often report gambling as a means of escape from problems in their lives, while men who gamble may do so more often for the thrill or for ego enhancement.