The downside to so many women taking up gambling is the increase in the risk of a gambling addiction.

The underlying reasons for why women gamble make women more susceptible to becoming addicted. A woman who gambles as a means of escape may find that the more she gambles, the more she can ignore her problems. Women who gamble for economic reasons find that they can become addicted as they try to win the elusive jackpot that will cover their rapidly mounting gambling losses.

Convenience Gambling

The reason that most gambling counselors give as the cause for the boost in women’s gambling addiction is the increasing availability of gambling outlets. First of all, the growth of the multi-state lotteries like Power Ball regularly have women spending record amounts in hopes of winning jackpots that can go into the hundreds of millions. Studies have shown that states with these mega-lotteries have seen a sharp increase in lottery revenue, and as the economy slides downward, for many, their only hope of becoming wealthy is to hit the jackpot. Unfortunately, those who can least afford it tend to spend the most on tickets and never miss a jackpot.

Secondly, video gaming machines have been taken from back rooms and sit on bar counters or behind bowling lanes or in a corner at the neighborhood deli. The temptation is great to try it just once. Because the game is out in the open, easily accessible, there is no stigma attached to gambling on it.

The recent boom in casino openings and the growing legalization of gambling in states has made gambling mainstream. Casinos have become vacation hot-spots. Casino owners know how to lure visitors in once and keep them coming back. And as casinos cater more to a female patronage, there are more opportunities for women to get hooked on gambling.

And lastly, the rise in on-line casino gambling has also taken its toll on women. It is incredibly easy to spend an entire day on-line without even noticing how much time or how many dollars has disappeared.

Finding Help

There is help out there for women who believe they have a gambling addiction. Organizations that can help include Gamblers Anonymous and The National Council on Problem Gambling with a nationwide hotline number of 1-800-522-4700.