How do women engage with gambling?
According to a recent study, about half of all female gamers have gambled in the past month. Most commonly on activities such as scratchcards, bingo, and the National lottery draw. Women aged 35 to 54 are the most likely to gamble, with the highest proportion at 32%. On the other hand, the younger and older groups show lower levels of involvement.
Lotteries and scratchcards are universally popular. Younger women are also gambling privately with their friends. They play fruit and slot machines in gaming centers and arcades.
We also know that online gambling is becoming increasingly popular amongst women of all ages. It increased by 8 percentage points between 2017 and 2021), particularly those aged over the age of 35. This is being driven in part by women switching from playing National Lottery draws in person, to playing them online. However, women are also beginning to engage in online gaming products.
Women tend to play more often, for longer, and spend more than men. They have online gambling accounts (for online slots, Vave NL casino, bingo, and instant win products).
What motivates women to gamble?
Online gambling products like slots. Vave apps and casino games are often favored by individuals seeking some alone time to unwind. Whether during a work break or at the end of the day, there are numerous motivations for why people engage in gambling. Many women see gambling as a chance to socialize. They have fun with friends, whether it be visiting casinos, playing bingo, or trying their luck on arcade machines.
However, gambling carries some risk, and for many that is never too far from consideration.
What do we know about gambling harms experienced by women?
Our latest prevalence data suggests that the problem gambling rate is 0.2% amongst women, with moderate and low-risk rates at 0.9% and 1.4%. The problem gambling and low-risk rates are both lower than their male counterparts. However in 2021, we have seen the moderate risk rate ‘balance out’, and the rates for men and women have become almost equal.
It is important to note here that there have, for a while, been questions about the suitability of the tools that are being used to accurately measure and identify female problem gamblers. Some have suggested that the statements covered by the PGSI may not be as effective for women as they are for men. This is a really important area that we’re working to better understand.
One way we are trying to unpick this issue is by improving our understanding of the broader harms that are caused by gambling. It will allow us to zoom in on what these experiences are like for women. From our early piloting of this work, we know that female gamblers are particularly likely to have experienced harm to their mental health, well-being, and finances. A further dimension is the fact that women are also more likely to be experiencing harm as a result of someone else’s gambling.
These harms can often be hidden, and yet have serious and long-term impacts. Treatment and support is another area where an understanding of women’s own experiences is vital. GambleAware is currently exploring this in research conducted by IFF Research, the University of Bristol, and GamCare’s Women’s Program. The first phase of it is the recommended approaches to enable women to access support for gambling harms. GambleAware has also launched its first-ever harms prevention campaign harm prevention campaign specifically aimed at women. It helps them to identify critical warning signs and seek support before gambling becomes harmful.
