Cost of living crisis may boost gambling harm among women, study

The leading charity focused on research, prevention and treatment services for people affected by gambling harm, GambleAware, released the results of a new study looking into the impact of the cost of living on gambling harm among women. The new study warned that the continuously rising cost of living may result in an increase in gambling harm for women, who already gamble.

The research results were based on responses from 1,600 women in Great Britain. Analysis of the study results found that 24% of the women who gambled, between the age of 18 and 49, expect to increase their spending on the activity in the upcoming months. This possibility, according to the study, is primarily pushed due to the continuously increasing cost-of-living crisis.

Additionally, 12% of the women who gamble admitted to gambling to improve the monthly income of their household. Some 21% of the women, who gambled, admitted they are concerned about their health due to anxiety and stress.

"Fears are now growing that the cost-of-living crisis will further exacerbate this over the coming months, with winter already being traditionally associated with a spike in traffic to gambling websites amongst women, potentially causing a worrying growth in gambling harms," explains GambleAware.

But the potential future harm isn't the only discovery made by GambleAware's recent study. Participants in the research reaffirmed that there's still stigma and shame when it comes to admitting problem gambling. Some 32% of the women who gambled admitted they are unwilling to share concerns about gambling with their families. Of those women, 49% identified shame as the primary barrier.

In light of the worrying results of the recent study, GambleAware launched a prevention campaign that targets women. The new campaign seeks to provide support for women affected by gambling and at the same time raise awareness. What's more, the initiative seeks to encourage women to share their concerns about possible problem gambling which in turn prevents greater harm.

In a statement released by GambleAware, Dr. Linda Papadopoulus, the leading psychologist and spokesperson for the new campaign said: "Gambling harms can impact anyone from any walk of life. It can cause a strain on relationships, affect work, and if not addressed, could lead to significant emotional, physical and financial burden."

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware's CEO, acknowledged that the results of the new survey warn about a possible escalation of gambling harm in the upcoming months. She explained that it is vital to ensure the well-being of women and raise awareness of the risks of gambling.

Osmond called for breaking the "pervasive stigma that prevents too many women from seeking out vital support." She urged individuals that notice signs of problem gambling to contact BeGambleAware.org for free support or call 0808 8020 133, which is the National Gambling Helpline.

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