Gambling and WOMEN

It is estimated that 5% of the general population are problem gamblers and one third of those are women. Women now constitute the fastest growing group of Connecticut residents seeking help for their gambling problems. Two-thirds of women who seek help for problem gambling are between the ages of 40-60. Although women often begin gambling later in life than men, gambling problems tend to develop much sooner. Women are also finding themselves increasingly impacted by the gambling problems of their partners, dependent children and elderly parents. As the acceptance of gambling has increased and become more accessible, women have been swept up into the gambling current.

For many women, gambling is a form of entertainment that is fun, sociable and exciting. It does not interfere with their daily routines, relationships, or jobs. Their thoughts do not revolve around when they will be able to gamble again or where they can find more money to gamble with. But others are drawn to gambling as a means of escape or avoiding people, circumstances, and/or emotions. These women often lose awareness of time passing, money lost, and other people. If a woman is depressed or sad, a win or near win becomes exciting. If the woman’ self esteem is low, winning becomes equated with a sense of accomplishment. Women who gamble excessively, or who are impacted by a family member who gambles, often are able to hide their problem well. A woman struggling with urges to gamble, and the pain of losing control, may be secretive, silenced by shame, guilt and fear.

Women who become problem gamblers may have gambled only socially for a number of years. Lifestyle changes such as retirement, divorce, or loss (such as a death), may lead to the transition from a social to problem gambler. Many female problem gamblers have a history of addictions or other compulsive disorders. That is, they are dependent on something other than gambling at some point in their lives; alcohol, other drugs, overspending.

Internet gambling is likely to increase problem gambling among women. Two of the attractions of online gambling for women are first it is an opportunity to gamble without even leaving your home and second it offers a greater sense of privacy.

Through treatment, financial pressures can be reduced, self-esteem restored, and control over one’s life regained. Many women who have sought treatment report much greater satisfaction with their lives than ever before.

For immediate assistance for a gambling problem please contact the Problem Gambling Helpline: