December 1998
Over the past few years, there have been noticeable changes in the number
of women seeking help for gambling problems in Minnesota. In 1992, 30 percent
of the calls to the Minnesota Compulsive Gambling Hotline were from women.
By 1996, that percentage had risen to 42. In the recently published treatment
outcome study, women comprised 42 percent of the individuals admitted for
compulsive gambling treatment in Minnesota.
For most women gambling remains a low-risk activity. But, for some, gambling can produce many negative consequences including:
- Financial problems
- Depression
- Alienation from family members
- Committing illegal acts for money
- Loss of time from work
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
While both men and women are attracted to gambling for its excitement, female gamblers differ from male gamblers in a number of significant ways.
According to Deb Ellison, Certified Gambling Counselor at Gambler's Intervention Services in Duluth "Women develop gambling problems more out of a need to escape rather than for the excitement." She also added, "There tends to be a high percentage of domestic, physical or sexual abuse history in women gamblers." Kathi Christensen, Riverview Clinic in Mankato says that "problem gambling for women is associated with family issues, they simply have no other outlet. They are not out to break the bank, they just need to get away."
Women will often feel more embarrassment about their gambling habits and are more likely to receive less sympathy from their families than men do.
However, there are exceptions. Sandi Brustein, Director of the Vanguard Compulsive Gambling Treatment Program in Granite Falls, MN, says that "some husbands feel guilty because they were never home or feel that they failed in some other way and that's why she started gambling. In these situations the husbands become excellent enablers, are apt to bail their wives out, feel responsible for their wives gambling and are less likely to divorce!
Christensen adds that "women tend to get into treatment faster with less money loss which is often the result of their not having as much money as men and smaller losses make a big impact.
Some women may be at risk of experiencing gambling problems because they are left at home with large amounts of time to fill while husbands and children are away at work or school. Low income mothers may view gambling as a quick way to "make" some extra money for the family. Often times women have less access to money, have more trouble covering their debt and therefore end up in the court system more often.
In 1997, about 1.1 million Minnesota women reported some gambling activity in the past year and 1.4 million reported gambling at some point in their lives (gambling is defined as partaking in at least one of 13 specific activities). Sixty-six percent of Minnesota women had gambled in the past year, compared to 79 percent of men.
Women in all parts of Minnesota gamble.
Women of all educational backgrounds gamble in significant numbers, but the activity is most widespread in those with a high school education or some post-secondary education.
Gambling is highest among younger women, with activity peaking
in the 25-34 year-old age group.
The Minnesota lottery is the most popular form of gambling for women, followed by pulltabs and bingo. Women are less likely than men to bet on all forms of gambling except bingo. The difference is most striking for betting on card games, sports events, and social bets.
If you are a women in need of resources, or if you know a woman in need of help, please call the Minnesota Compulsive Gambling Hotline at 1-800-437-3641. The Hotline is a free and confidential, information and referral resource for anyone seeking help for a gambling problem.
Psychiatric Annals, 22:2. February 1992.
Gambling Participant Rates of MN Adults. MN State Lottery with the assistance of Saint Cloud State University. 1997.
Abt study. Evaluation of the Minnesota State-Funded Compulsive Gambling Treatment Programs. Final report. July 21, 1997.
Gambling Problems Resource Center
2720 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
