Problem Gaming Specialist: More Women Playing Online Gambling To Relieve Stress

A problem gaming expert based in the UK told The Independent Newspaper that more women are playing internet poker.

Liz Karter, a specialist in the matter said that women are becoming more attracted to the game as opposed to drugs or alcohol. Karter said that about 3/4 of the female clients she sees playing internet poker are single parents or living alone. Online poker, she claims, acts as a stress reliever for hardships these women have experienced.

In the story Karter says: "Historically, women have been more inclined to be machine players, like the traditional slots. I'm now seeing a crossover to online gambling which is a particular problem because accessibility is so easy via smartphones or tablets."

The story goes on to cite Gamcare, a problem gambling help line, who says that half of all women calling in have gambling issues. This is a 44% increase over numbers reported in 2011, and contrasts with a 33% of men who called in.