The bright lights of the casino, the gambling appetites of the players, and tension in the air. It’s more than just entertainment. It is a whole new escapist world where luck, strategy and the heat of the moment are tightly intertwined. But beneath all that gloss and glamour lie deep cultural traditions, social norms, and gender differences as well.
Who takes more risks – men or women? Who prefers strategic poker and who prefers flashy slots? And why do some play for adrenaline while others play for the dream of a big win?
Historically, gambling used to be considered more of a male pastime, but times have changed. Today, women have become thoroughly entrenched in the gambling world too, especially with the development of online gambling. But is the gap between the sexes really that big? And which games do men and which women choose?
Let’s dive into this fascinating world and find out how gender differences affect gambling, and why some prefer games like:
- Poker
- Aviator game online
- Blackjack
- Social games
- Bingo
Traditional norms
When we look back into the past, there’s no doubt that gambling has long been “male territory” as men have more often had access to these venues where passions are in full swing: casinos, racetracks, and bookmakers. These establishments were filled with excitement, risk, and adrenaline, which perfectly coincided with the traditional image of a man.
With women, things were different. They had to remain in the shadows for a long time, as they also depended on their husbands to provide for them. Social norms and strict rules did not allow ladies to approach such piquant activities. Then everything changed in the 20th century.
Women started entering all spheres and today we see women increasingly becoming involved in this exciting world, bringing their unique approaches and strategies to it. In the modern world, the number of women who try their hand at gambling is practically on par with men.
The data
Men are more likely to gamble due to their greater appetite for risk, desire for adrenaline, and need for competition. Social norms and traditions also play an important role in making gambling attractive to men of different ages, especially young men under 35.
According to research and social surveys, men make up the majority of players. However the overall gap between the genders has shrunk to become practically statistically insignificant. For example, the UK Gambling Commission found that gambling participation among men was 43.6% for males and 41.6% for females. Problem gambling meanwhile has been stated at 4.2% for men and 2.9% for women.
Gambling genres each gender prefers
Though in most cases, the gender gaps for these genres is not particularly wide, there do tend to remain statistical trends. Men and women were and remain different by nature, and this manifests well in gambling. Some people like to take risks and build strategies, while others prefer to relax and trust their luck. That’s what we observe with the two genders.
Games men prefer
Men more often prefer games that are the least based on random chance and more based on strategy, deceit, studying, and calculation.
Poker
This is a game that attracts people with its need to analyze opponents, build strategies, and, of course, the ability to masterfully bluff. Poker tournaments, whether online or in luxury casinos, are a welcome challenge for many men. After all, not only is luck important, but also the ability to think several steps ahead.
Blackjack
This is one of the games with the greatest edge for players. 21 involves so much skill and wits that it became notorious, with card counters getting kicked out of casinos for beating dealers repeatedly for thousands of dollars. This caused casinos to start to have to use two decks, as the Hollywood film “21” exemplified, when a group of MIT students started using their mathematical wits to statistically defeat the house over and over.
Sports betting
Football, basketball, tennis, and boxing – men love to bet on sporting events as this is an opportunity not only to try their luck, but also to show off their in-depth knowledge. Analysis of statistics, forecasts, and discussions with friends all make sports betting a real male-centric hobby. And when their prediction comes true and the winnings are in their pocket, they can’t resist gloating. About 72% of sports bettors are men.
Games that women prefer.
Women are attracted to gambling by the opportunity to relax, chase a dream, socialize, and have fun. For many of them, this is for the most part not so much a competition as a way to escape from everyday worries and enjoy the moment. Bright colors, simple rules, and an atmosphere of excitement is what women tend to prefer.
Slots
This game is by far the most popular casino game and it accounts for the lion’s share of all money gambled by both genders. All casinos are completely full of them, because they are so simple and require nothing from the player. They also allow smaller incremental bets. Women still have a greater preference for these than men.
Scratcher cards
These are like a small ticket to a world of dreams. Women are attracted to their simplicity – you buy a lottery ticket or scratcher card, check the numbers, and you can imagine spending your winnings on a trip, a big house, or something you’ve always wanted. Like slots, scratcher cards also entail a low entry threshold, allowing people to pay just a dollar with the possibility of winning 50 bucks. Then there are scratcher cards that entail a lot more on the line.
Bingo
Women love this game for its atmosphere of communication, ease and the opportunity to spend time in pleasant company, especially older ladies. And with the advent of online bingo, playing has become even more convenient – you can enjoy your favorite hobby without ever having to leave home.
Social games
Virtual casinos on social networks are an ideal way to combine entertainment and making friends. Women often perceive such games as a way to relax, escape from everyday worries, and simply have fun without really gambling any real money. These are most popular in developing countries among middle-aged women.
Risks and gambling addiction
Men and women approach risk differently and face problem gambling. Men are more likely to take risks and suffer from addiction, but are less likely to seek help. Women, although less likely to become addicted, often play for longer and use games as a way to cope with emotional problems.
Men seem to be designed to take risks. This is not just a stereotype, it is a combination of biology and social norms. High levels of testosterone, the desire to prove their cunning, and the lust for adrenaline make them natural fans of risky games. Women, on the other hand, approach gambling with caution. They more often choose slots, lotteries, or bingo – games where they can relax and enjoy the atmosphere more.
Differences in motivation
Men and women not only play differently but also seek different things often times. For men, gambling is a way to prove their manhood, defeat rivals, and taste victory. They play for the adrenaline, risk, and the opportunity to show that they are the best. Women see gambling as a way to escape more instead. Of course, these are mere generalizations and every person is different, in spite of what our upbringings and biologies make us prone for.