By Chantal Dubois

In Ontario, women account for over one third of adults who are experiencing gambling problems.  The risk factors for, and treatment needs of, women who are experiencing gambling problems are different than those of men.  Therefore, it is important to recognize and appreciate the unique needs and issues of women who gamble.  As noted below, those differences are related to a number of areas.

Specific to gambling behaviours, women play different games, develop problems faster and experience different financial and legal consequences.  Furthermore, issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety and financial stress are more common among women and, as a result, make women more vulnerable to developing gambling problems.