Women and Problem Gambling

Gambling opportunities are everywhere, and continue to expand rapidly. With this, researchers have noted a dramatic increase in the number of gamblers and gambling-related problems.  Historically a male-dominated activity, gambling is becoming a mainstream activity for women.  Approximately one third of problem gamblers are women, yet there is limited gender-specific research and treatment.

To help address this knowledge gap, CAMH’s Roberta Boughton, M Ed, Addiction Therapist at the  Problem Gambling Service, headed up a  Provincial study that involved  the largest known sample of Ontario women who are gambling at a problematic level but who are not in treatment.  One purpose was to consider the vulnerability and co-morbidity factors of female problem gamblers.

The analysis showed that:

• 24% of respondents reported having a sibling with psychiatric problems, and 38% had a father with drug or alcohol problems;
• 69% experienced emotional abuse, 46% experienced physical abuse, and 28% experienced sexual abuse as an adult;
• The most common concurrent problem was smoking (48%), followed by binge eating (27%) and compulsive shopping (24%).  9% reported alcohol use problems, and 8% reported drug use problems.  The rates of all problematic behaviours were higher than those found in the general population.
• 71% of respondents reported seeking professional help for mental health concerns; and
• 45% of the sample reported having suicidal thoughts, while 29% had made suicide attempts.

These results demonstrate that problem gambling tends to be part of a complex combination of mental health and substance use problems, and poorly developed coping strategies due to turbulent personal and family history.  This information helps us understand what makes women vulnerable to problem gambling, supports the need for further research and gender –specific treatment, and provides direction on shaping effective prevention and intervention strategies targeted at women.

Visit Vulnerability and Comorbidity Factors of Female Problem Gambling for more information.

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