Women Raising the Gambling Stakes

A growing trend has become apparent in the spectrum of gambling addiction. It seems that women over the years have fought to keep up with men in almost every aspect of the world, and now according to a study done by the National Institute of Mental Health, they have succeeded.

"There's a big societal shift. Women didn't used to do this." said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Today there are an estimated 4.2 million Americans or about 1.4% of the United States population that are addicted to gambling - both in land based and internet gambling sites. 60% of these persons have an income of less than $25,000 annually.

In 1975, 68% of men and 55% of women were addicted which pales in color to the 2008 figures of 88% of men gambling it away compared to 83% of women!

Why is this happening?
Some experts accredit this trend to women having more access to loans, credit cards not being shared by spouses as well as careers of their own which equates to more freedom in how they spend their money.

There is also a sense of "escapism" where women may sit in front of a machine and it won't talk back, cry, or hit. It just provides stimulation and a sense of control or even freedom from their daily lives.

Grandma? Grandpa?
Another new development is that female senior citizens are increasingly becoming part of these statistics.

"They may be dealing with grief or a loss issue, death," Whyte said. "They get free food, often get free transportation and (casino employees) know their name."

Game wisely
So in the final analysis what is there to say but keep a cool head whatever your age or sex and if you ever find yourself in need of assistance, reach out for help - it's out there.