The Changing Face of Female Gambling
Female gamblers now account for more than 50 percent of gamblers calling the Gambling Helpline. Also, calls from male "significant others" - including husbands, partners and fathers - are on the rise, at nearly 30 percent in 2003 compared with just over 20 percent in 1999. The Gambling Helpline received more than 20,000 calls in 2003.
However, the increase in female gambling is not restricted to NZ; it's a trend that is occurring in Australia, the US and Canada. And, unfortunately, there is a lack of information and research available on gender issues involved with gambling and problem gambling. So although more women are gambling now than in the past, and more women are developing gambling problems, very little is known about what triggers women to gamble excessively, the risk factors to look out for, and the types of awareness and prevention messages that are most effective for females.
It is known that women are most likely to gamble on pokie machines. They tend to start gambling later in life than men but they progress more rapidly into gambling problems than men. US research has linked the rise in female gambling to the increasing availability and accessibility of pokie machines. Pokie machines are widely perceived to be a low-risk, non-competitive and fun way to gamble - despite being highly addictive to some people. They also tend to be located in environments where women may feel physically and emotionally comfortable, such as pubs, clubs and hotels.
Are you concerned?
Anyone concerned about their own gambling, or that of someone close to them, should seek advice as early as possible. The Gambling Helpline offers self-checks and other tools on its website (www.gamblingproblem.co.nz) to help people identify problem gambling. Even some simple questions can give an insight to potential problems such as:
- When it comes to money, do you feel that this person cannot be trusted?
- Does the person constantly return to gambling in order to try and recover losses, or win more?
- Does the person have unrealistic expectations that gambling will bring the family wealth and material comfort, or do they gamble to get money to solve financial difficulties?
- Does this person continually lie to cover up or deny their gambling activities?
The Gambling Helpline provides a range of confidential and free support, counselling, referral and information services, for gamblers and those affected by problem gambling. For more information call 0800 654 655.
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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