Gender and Problem Gambling
Both men and women can fall prey to problematic gambling habits, but it seems to affect men and women differently. In a program for problem gamblers, Martins et al (2004) found that women were more likely to attempt suicide; men were more likely to drink. Nower and Blaszczynski (2006) also studied a group of gamblers in treatment, and again found suicide attempts were much more prevalent among women. Hraba and Lee (1996) also draw a connection between drinking and problem gambling for men, but suggest that it is "estrangement from a conventional lifestyle" that leads women to problem gambling.
Ledgerwood and Petry (2006) suggest that risk factors for problem gambling could be broken down into three main components: escape, dissociation, and egotism/attention-seeking. Men were more likely than women to score high on the egotism scale. However, Mark and Lesieur's (1992) review raises concerns that most profiles of gamblers leave out the needs of women, and approach the literature from a feminist perspective.
Honestly, I mostly see male/female couples in Vegas, so the numbers of men and women seem to be remarkably even. While I do see amounts of money that I personally find incredibly intimidating changing hands, I play at the low-stakes tables. I haven't checked the high-stakes areas of the casinos to see if there's a difference, but I'd suspect there would be more men.
Dan4th is on vacation. This post was created in advance.
Ledgerwood and Petry (2006) suggest that risk factors for problem gambling could be broken down into three main components: escape, dissociation, and egotism/attention-seeking. Men were more likely than women to score high on the egotism scale. However, Mark and Lesieur's (1992) review raises concerns that most profiles of gamblers leave out the needs of women, and approach the literature from a feminist perspective.
Honestly, I mostly see male/female couples in Vegas, so the numbers of men and women seem to be remarkably even. While I do see amounts of money that I personally find incredibly intimidating changing hands, I play at the low-stakes tables. I haven't checked the high-stakes areas of the casinos to see if there's a difference, but I'd suspect there would be more men.
Dan4th is on vacation. This post was created in advance.