Internet gambling raising the stakes for vulnerable women
A reluctance to admit to gambling excessively is masking a growing problem among women, according to a University of Greenwich expert.
Professor Roslyn Corney, from the Department of Psychology and Counselling in the School of Health & Social Care, is sceptical about the recent Gambling Commission report which claimed there has been no significant rise in the number of problem gamblers over the last eight years.
Midway through her own 18-month study, funded by the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, Professor Corney is convinced that vulnerable women are turning to online gambling in increasing numbers. And she warns it is leading to major problems that can have an impact on relationships and result in large debts.
“The Internet adds to the risk of problem gambling because it is highly accessible and therefore easy to gamble in secret. You don’t have to leave the house to do it and you can place bets day and night. There aren’t the restrictions that exist if you have to go out to a casino or betting shop,” she says.
While James Bond often encountered glamorous women in casinos during his films, Professor Corney says women have traditionally shied away from such male-orientated environments. Their most common public exposure to gambling was and for now, remains, the bingo hall.
But she adds: “The difference is you can’t spend huge amounts going to the bingo hall. There is also a clear social aspect to bingo and the people you are with will know if you are spending too much. Those checks don’t apply if you are gambling in the privacy of your own home. There’s little or nothing to stop you chasing your losses, except yourself.”
Professor Corney’s experience suggests the women who are particularly at risk of becoming hooked by Internet gambling may already have debts or other problems in their lives. Those struggling to cope with bereavement or the strain of raising young children can also see it as a way of temporarily escaping from their problems.
Professor Corney explains: “Many of the women I have spoken to say they see it as a way of putting all their problems behind them and they can get totally absorbed in it.
“But of course the trouble is it brings them additional problems and difficulties including mental health issues. Struggling with feelings of guilt and shame, women can become very depressed and sometimes suicidal.”
Aside from running up huge debts, the secrecy and deceit associated with problem gambling can erode relationships with partners and families.
Worryingly, Professor Corney warns it is not just those with existing troubles who are getting hooked by Internet gambling.
She cautions: “Many are very competent, successful even, in all other areas of their lives and have never previously been in debt or gambled, apart from occasionally at the bingo or the lottery. They find it very hard to explain their behaviour.”
Professor Corney is very keen for more women gamblers to come forward and talk confidentially about their internet gambling experiences as part of her study.
She can be contacted at r.h.corney@greenwich.ac.uk or on 0208 331 8926.
ENDS
A jpeg photo is available on request from the Press Office.
For more information:
Nick Davison
Public Relations Unit
University of Greenwich
0208 331 8092