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.