One million women at risk from gambling harm as ‘fun’ online games fuel addiction
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Around 1 million women may be at risk from gambling harms, with growing numbers becoming addicted to online games, new research suggests.
Experts said the number of women hooked on betting websites had soared during lockdowns, with many seeking “innocent” distractions only to find themselves in the pit of addiction.
New figures show the number of women taking part in online gambling has risen by more than a third since the pandemic, with six million betting on such games in the last month.
Experts said many were too embarrassed to admit they had a problem, and were left suffering shame, anxiety and mounting debt.
Research by charity Gamble Aware suggests that more than 4 per cent of women - more than 1 million across the UK - are now gambling to the extent that it is causing them harm.
The findings come from a questionnaire of 18,000 adults which assessed levels of the impact of gambling on their daily lives. Experts found that even when women felt they were suffering as a result of addiction, 40 per cent were unlikely to seek help.
New statistics show activity on gambling websites popular with women peaks in the winter months - with total average traffic between December and March up by 29 per cent compared to the rest of the year.
The charity is launching a campaign, highlighting three possible signs of a gambling problem; losing track of time, spending more than you can afford, and keeping the habit secret from those around you.
Its statistics show that by last year, 22.1 percent of women had gambled online in the last four weeks - up from 16.2 per cent in 2019.
Over the last four years, the number of women gambling rose by 54 per cent, including a 37 per cent rise during the pandemic. Over the same period, the rise was far slower among men, with a 28 per cent increase over four years, including a 12 per cent rise since 2019.
Zoë Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, said: “We are launching this new gambling harms prevention campaign at a time when there may be up to a million women at risk of gambling harms.
“Our research shows women may not be aware they are starting to experience harm from gambling or, may be worried about reaching out for support due to stigma or shame.”
She said there had been a “significant increase” in the use of online gambling sites during lockdowns.
“Often these sites are viewed by women as innocent social entertainment - however research shows those gambling online are more likely than those who gamble in general to have a low to moderate risk of gambling harms,” she said.
It follows research which shows that women are exposed to far more gambling advertisements than men – viewing an average of 18.5 ads per week, compared with 15.9 for men.
The charity’s research found that even when women were suffering high levels of harm from online betting, they were less likely than men to seek help.
However, the number of women receiving treatment for gambling has doubled in the past five years – up from 1,134 in 2015/16 to 2,423 in 2020/21.
Experts said gambling addictions could have an impact on relationships, health and finances, distancing people from their loved ones.
Liz Karter, a UK expert in gambling addiction in women said: “Gambling behaviours manifest themselves differently in women than men. For example, we know the easy availability of online gambling leads many women to games which appear innocent and socially acceptable. The games seem safe and familiar, as they are so similar to the free play digital games we are all now used to playing."
Anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can visit BeGambleAware.org for free, confidential advice and support, or The National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
