When men previously had higher levels of gambling involvement and problems for years, it is no longer the case today. The rate of pathological gambling in women is accelerating, and according to a survey carried out recently, women outnumber men in terms of problem gambling between 45 and 64. Despite this higher rate regarding women who experience gambling problems, 70% of men call the National Gambling Helpline.
This means that the rate of women reporting a gambling problem is lower compared to the men’s case. In fact, men are more likely to seek help by contacting HelpLine because of their own gambling whereas women call about someone else’s problem. As reported by GamCare, while 90% of men contact the HelpLine, only 41% of women call this platform for their own gambling problems. This renowned independent organism worries about the reason women hide their gambling addiction.
Real Reasons Women Gamble
When men prefer games that involve skill, women, on the other hand, tend to be attracted by the games based on luck to escape from their real-life problems. Contrary to men who prefer to gamble on the traditional gambling types, online gambling is more appealing to them as it enables them to access gambling activities at their convenience. Gambling is a quick solution for these women to escape the actual reality. Not only do they often overcome such problems like abuse and loneliness but they also have to maintain a healthy family.
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Thus, playing casino games at Libra Spins Casino is an option to encourage them to feel happy inside and forget about life’s problems and mess. As they prefer to gamble on games that offer quick wins and losses, they will, thus, easily develop gambling addictions. These games can include slot machines, bingo, video poker, lottery tickets, and many others. Their losses associated with problems in their personal lives, families, and even the communities are risk factors to contribute to the development of pathological and problem gambling. Those who face gambling-related problems are generally the most vulnerable women in society.
“Hidden” Gambling of Women Impacts
Suzanne Koch Eckenrode, an American Psychotherapist affirmed in her report entitled “Problem Gambling and Women” that men start to gamble at an average age of 20.4 whereas women begin at 34.2 years. Unfortunately, since women gamble online, they hide their addiction which is unnoticeable and spend too much time on gambling. Many women struggle with problem gambling without their family members know owning to the public stigma of women problem gambling.
Alcohol, drugs, and gambling addiction are thought to affect only men so it is difficult for women to reveal their problems to their family members and friends. There comes a moment when they can no longer hide their addiction due to behaviours or financial trouble. Because of financial difficulties, the trust and good relationship among families will be broken and may also affect the kids. The couples will split up and due to legal troubles that can be supplementary funding, and unpaid debt and bills can result in jail time.
GamCare and Female Problem Gambling
Launched in 1997, GamCare supports any individuals and companies affected by gambling-related issues. As stated by this independent charity, gambling addiction is a much more hidden problem for women so this organism encourages these women to ask for help and support. Since GamCare established a policy to help problem gamblers and their families, the compulsive women gamblers can also benefit from the support.
This leading national provider of treatment also offers free-of-charge solutions to women affected by gambling problems. Those who need help can immediately call the National Gambling HelpLine or contact highly qualified therapists and counsellors through the live chat option. Orientation sessions and various types of schemes to educate people about gambling-related harms are also established to promote safe and responsible gambling. Furthermore, GamCare takes up a challenge to ensure that vulnerable women and girls’ interests are correctly applied in the gambling treatment sector.
This project is funded by the Tampon Tax team in the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). In this programme, a nationwide network of local public sector and third sector organisations that work with women will be established to raise awareness of gambling problems that women may experience.