Women Gambling and Problem Gambling n n Joanna
Women, Gambling and Problem Gambling n n Joanna Franklin NCGC II Ncpgambling@aol. com www. ncpgambling. org HELPLINE 1 -800 -522 -4700 n Based on report from Rachel A. Volberg, Ph. D.
Lifetime Gambling Participation
Gender Differences in Past Year Gambling
¡Social roles are important l. Acceptability is as important as availability ¡Characteristics of gambling venues are important –women want: l. Flexible l. Local l. Low hours availability price of participation l. Clean, attractive locations l. Physical safety l. Availability of childcare
Women and Problem Gambling n Women have been largely invisible in problem gambling research n Most research based on samples of male pathological gamblers n Too few females included to determine if differences exist n Widespread assumption that what holds true for men will also hold true for women
The “Feminization” of Gambling and Problem Gambling n More women are gambling and developing problems than in the past n Service providers internationally are seeing more women seeking help n Feminization linked to increases in the availability of electronic gaming machines (EGDs)
Gambling Problems Among Women n In 1998, 35% of problem and pathological gamblers in the US general population were women n n In states with large numbers of EGDs, the proportion of problem gamblers who are women is higher n n Gerstein et al, 1999 In Montana, 51% of problem and pathological gamblers in 1998 were women In Louisiana, 50% of problem and pathological gamblers in 1998 were women In Oregon in 2000, 45% of problem and pathological gamblers were women In Australia between 1991 and 1999, the proportion of problem gamblers in the general population who were women rose from 14% to 41%
Women Seeking Help n Women seeking help for gambling problems start gambling later in life than men n Women have more rapid progression into problems than men n Women seeking help are most likely to cite electronic gaming machines as their primary problem n Like men, women seeking help often have comorbid problems with alcohol and substance abuse as well as depression
Treating Women Problem Gamblers n Deficits in self-confidence and problem-solving skills are common among male and female problem gamblers (Borsoi & Toneatto, 2003) n Both male and female problem gamblers rely excessively on avoidant coping styles (Thomas & Moore, 2003) n Women do bring some gender-specific issues into treatment that must be addressed n n n Experiences of abuse Care-giving demands Emotional issues with autonomy and rebellion
Future Directions n Women represent a rapidly expanding segment of the online gambling population n Online gambling characterized by n n n n Flexible hours Local availability Low price of participation Clean, attractive location Physical safety Availability of childcare Similar characteristics may lead to growing numbers of women experiencing difficulties with this new, very private form of gambling
Maryland Coalition on Problem Gambling: Maryland Council on Problem Gambling University of Maryland- Department of Psychiatry Loyola College- Pastoral Counseling Department Johns Hopkins University- Silvia Martins MD, Ph. D Problem Gambling Helpline: 24/7 free and confidential referrals 1 -800 -522 -4700 With support from the Maryland Lottery and their vendors www. ncpgambling. org Joanna Franklin Ms NCGC II Ncpgambling@aol. com
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