Sociology, Department of
Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications
Breaking the Odds: A Gendered Analysis of Women and Gambling Behaviors
Document Type
Review
Date of this Version
7-2025
Citation
UNLV Gaming Research and Review Journal (2025) 29(1): article 6
doi: 10.9741/2327-8455.1510
The author would like to thank Lisa Kort-Butler of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her valuable feedback and support during the development of this paper.
Abstract
Gambling is increasingly recognized as a complex public health issue with wide-ranging implications for individuals, families, and communities. While traditionally male-dominated, recent shifts reveal a growing participation among women, facilitated by gender-specific gambling products, targeted marketing, and evolving societal norms. This paper critically examines the prevalence, motivations, and harms associated with gambling among women, drawing on theoretical perspectives such as social capital theory, cultural geography, and gender role theory. By synthesizing existing literature, this review highlights distinct gendered patterns in gambling behaviors, including the use of gambling as a coping mechanism for stress, isolation, and caregiving burdens, and the role of gendered spaces and marketing strategies in shaping women’s engagement. While much of the literature focuses on risks and harms, gaps remain in understanding protective factors, intersectional influences, and the implications of emerging gambling formats such as cryptocurrency betting and gamified platforms. The article provides a foundation for advancing public health strategies and fostering a more comprehensive understanding of women’s gambling behaviors and their broader societal implications.
Comments
Copyright 2025, Rowland Edet. Open access
Licsense: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0