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Gambling Addiction Amongst Women Is On the Rise

By jili tutorial · September 1, 2026

Gambling Addiction Among Women Is on the Rise

Online gambling has exploded in popularity, and with it, experts warn that the United States may be heading toward a new addiction crisis—one that could rival the epidemics fueled by tobacco and opioids. While most research on gambling addiction has centered on young men (who still make up the majority of addicts), there has been a sharp increase in the number of women struggling with problem gambling. This shift is drawing attention from therapists, policymakers, and public health officials alike.

Rising Numbers of Women Affected

A recent analysis by Bloomberg Law found that women accounted for about one-quarter of all bankruptcy filings last year that listed major online sportsbooks as creditors. Meanwhile, a separate study by the American Gaming Association showed that women now make up 35% of online sports bettors, up from 26% in 2022. According to several experts, gambling participation rates among men and women are now nearly equal.

Research also reveals a troubling pattern: women who start gambling later in life may develop problematic habits faster than men—a phenomenon known as the “telescoping effect.” This suggests that even though women may begin wagering later, the road to addiction can be shorter.

Changing Demographics and Treatment Needs

The profile of women seeking help for gambling addiction is evolving. The old stereotype painted an older woman glued to a slot machine at a casino, a regular at bingo halls, or a frequent lottery buyer. But that picture no longer holds true.

Jennifer Levitt, a Philadelphia-area therapist who specializes in gambling addiction, told Axios that she is increasingly seeing career women, new mothers, and younger clients who do not fit the old mold. Women now account for about one-third of her client base—a significant jump from just a few years ago. Her patients include CEOs, lawyers, and even fellow therapists. She notes that many are drawn to strategy-based games such as poker and blackjack, challenging the common assumption that women prefer “passive” forms of gambling.

Pennsylvania Sees a Surge in Female Gambling Addiction

The national rise in women struggling with gambling is striking, but Pennsylvania appears to be hit especially hard. According to data from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, women aged 45 to 54 made up the largest share of callers to the state’s problem gambling hotline.

Josh Ercole, the council’s executive director, reports that women are increasingly reporting issues with online slots rather than traditional casino machines, mirroring a broader shift toward internet-based gambling. He also highlights how gambling companies are finding new ways to attract customers—for instance, through prediction markets that let people bet on topics they already follow and care about.

Gambling platforms are using aggressive strategies to keep users engaged. In a recent lawsuit filed in Philadelphia against FanDuel and DraftKings, plaintiffs allege that the sportsbooks employ microbets, targeted promotions, push notifications, and VIP perks to encourage people with gambling addictions to keep playing. One such perk reportedly included a personalized video message from Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, who has since stated he was unaware of how the video would be used.

As these marketing practices come under scrutiny, the number of women seeking help—and the complexity of their cases—continues to grow, raising urgent questions about regulation, support, and prevention.