Women and Gambling – Insights for Industry

Women can be disproportionately affected by gambling-related harms, experiencing financial, relationship and mental health issues.

Operating throughout England, Scotland and Wales, GamCare’s Women’s Programme is raising awareness about gambling related harms experienced by women and uncovering the negative impact of stigma. The programme places women at the heart of these discussions.

Marina Smith, Women’s Programme Manager, recently spoke to Racing Post about what industry could do to better protect female customers. Her insights include:

• Gambling addiction can be even more hidden with women, given the heavy expectations placed on them by society to be good mothers, good housekeepers, so admitting they have gambled away money meant for the family can be really difficult.
• Women sharing their experiences with GamCare often say they’re not gambling for fun. They’re more likely to gamble to win relatively small amounts to help with everyday bills or to improve their financial situation.
• Businesses need to reach out to female customers regularly, and ensure women are aware of support services to meet their needs.

Read full Racing Post article >>

If you would like to find out more about how GamCare’s Women’s Programme can support your business’s safer gambling work, please contact [email protected].

Read Women’s Programme Year One Report 2019/20 >>

March 2021