As they have done with so many other activities, women have moved into the male world of gambling.

However, women don’t approach gambling in the same way as men. While men gamble for the action and the skill and the social aspects, women see it as an opportunity to mentally and emotionally shut down for a couple of hours.

Escape

For women, gambling is a form of escape. They may be using it as a way to physically escape the trappings of their every day lives, but it is also a mental escape, a chance to dream of big money and all the wonderful things they can buy.

Because it is a form of escape, women tend to gravitate to the more solitary forms of gambling, like slot machines and video poker. It is easier to ignore the world around you when you don’t have to interact with others. Researchers also think that women with low-self esteem enjoy gambling because they associate winning with success or a sense of accomplishment. The experience of a few quarters dropping into the tray is euphoric to a woman who has been stuck in an emotional rut.

On the heels of escapism, another reason women gamble is boredom. On-line gambling, one of the fastest growing methods of gambling, has become an outlet for bored women. Instead of having to leave home, a woman can fire up her computer and play the slots while surfing the internet.

Looking for Entertainment

Sometimes women gamble for the entertainment it provides. Winning is a lot of fun. Even losing can be fun under the right circumstances, especially if gambling is connected with other activities like a vacation, dinner out, or a show.

Gambling always involves some risk, and some women find entertainment in that way. They are natural adventurers and risk takers in other areas of their lives. These women are more likely to be more daring gamblers, as well.

Dreams of Wealth

One more reason why women gamble is the shot at improving their finances. Although men like the potential for monetary gains, they tend to gamble for the sport of it. Women, on the other hand, play games of chance, from lottery tickets to bingo to slot machines, all in the hopes of improving their economic situation.

Whatever the reason, the reality is women are gambling and the number continues to grow.

As they do in so many other things in life, women and men like to gamble differently. Men prefer social and action gambling, where they can interact with other gamblers.

Women, on the other hand, prefer solitary games. Because women use gambling as a way to escape or fight boredom, they tend to gamble using machines, as opposed to more social games. However, one exception to this “rule” is the rise in popularity of Texas Hold’em poker among women.

Escape Gamblers

Statistics show that a high percentage of women are escape gamblers. They play games that require minimal participation and virtually no skill. Escape gamblers also prefer games that do all the work, so to speak. After the initial bet is made, the game picks the numbers, the game controls the outcome. The woman gambler need not to talk to anyone. No one will pressure her to play again or give her unwanted advice.

Favored Games

The majority of women start off gambling with lottery tickets or bingo. For a long time, these were the only games of chance available to women because the few casinos that existed didn’t always welcome women gamblers.

As gambling became more popular and more accessible to women, women have gravitated to slot machines and video poker machines.

When women are visiting casinos, slot machines are usually the game of choice. Recognizing the rise in popularity of slot machines, casinos have increased the number of slots available.

Video Poker

Increasingly growing in popularity as a way to gamble, video poker games are drawing in many women. Similar to slot machines in the way they are played, video poker machines offer the same type of solitary escapism that women enjoy. Unlike slot machines, video poker games have fewer state restrictions. They are legal in most states. Usually the only requirement for an establishment offering video poker is that it has a liquor license. Therefore, video poker is likely available in places where women already hang out.

Online Gaming

Finally, women are fast discovering online casinos. Not only can they play their favorite casino games online (and in the comfort of their own home), they can also learn new games without the stress of being watched and judged by others. In many cases, they can also learn these games without actually betting, a luxury not afforded them in a casino.