Problem gambling on the rise among women
JOBURG – Although gambling may be considered a 'men's problem', women are just as likely to gamble – and to become addicted. Learn more here...
Chances are that you consider problem gambling to be a man’s issue but the reality is that as many as 51 per cent of all South African women gamble. What’s more, female problem gamblers are likely to be more severely affected by the condition.
So said Heidi Sinclair, treatment and counselling manager at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), a non-profit organisation that has been set up to promote responsible gambling in South Africa. She notes, too, that gambling addiction takes a shorter time to set in among female gamers than among their male counterparts.
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Sinclair notes that many female gamblers experience intense anxiety. This is typical of the condition, which is most often accompanied by other disorders. But while this may take the form of psychological issues with women, male gamblers usually present alcoholism or drug addiction tendencies.
Men and women gamble for different reasons, too. While both may use gaming as a stress release, women are more likely to take this to a dangerous degree. Sinclair notes that this may explain women’s extensive use of slot machines, which become an unhealthy coping mechanism to escape stress, loneliness and boredom.
“When gaming serves a psychological need like this, there is a greater likelihood that the individual will develop a problematic habit,” she said, noting that gambling to earn an income may also heighten the risk.
Men, on the other hand, may fall into the gambling grey area when they become preoccupied with the game, or when their feelings about winning or ego distort their perception.
Sinclair emphasises the importance of obtaining help, whether for you or for a family member or friend. SARGF offers a free, anonymous hotline and provides eight free face-to-face counselling sessions, to equip problem gamblers with the skills they need to overcome their addiction. In severe cases, the foundation will also assist in providing a self-exclusion order.
Contact www.sargf.co.za for more information. If you or any of your family members feel you may have a gambling problem, then please contact the foundation for free counselling and advice. Call Toll Free 0800 006 008.
