Men and women have had key differences since time immemorial. These variations have not only been present in physiological ways but also psychologically.
And they are as evident even in the way men and women conduct themselves in land based casinos as well as online casinos.
Have you ever gambled with someone of the opposite gender? If you have, you have likely noted that you share some differences which could relate to any of the following:
Table of Contents
1. Problem Gambling
According to longitudinal studies, men are more likely to engage in problem gambling. This type of gambling often occurs when psychological issues are present, e.g., when a player is battling emotional or mental challenges. Women can also engage in problem gambling but tend to be more cautious, hence the lower numbers.
Is there a way people can avoid falling into this trap? Sure. The easiest ways to nip problem gambling in the bud is to:
- Set a limit on the amount of money you can use in any given period. Some sites also allow you to limit the time spent on them, further reducing your access to the games,
- Avoid chasing losses when you have depleted your designated bankroll. Many sites allow players to enjoy demo games which you can play when you run out of money, and
- Stay away from games when you are not in a good mental state. Many things can affect your reasoning when playing, e.g., being on drugs, drinking alcohol, or feeling sad. Such impediments to a good game can reduce your ability to avoid chasing losses and result in substantial losses.
If you think you might be a problem gambler, seeking professional help is a good idea, as it can help you fight the urge to keep playing when you should not.
2. Game Choices
There are two types of games in casinos – games of chance and games of skill. Games of skill rely on a player’s ability to make sound judgments.
For example, when playing a game like blackjack, players must understand how they can go bust and how to keep it from happening.
They must thus assess if they should stand, hit, double down, etc., in the heat of the moment. As such, when players practice the game, learn its basics, and adopt a few strategies, they increase their chances of winning.
Games of chance do not rely on sound judgment. Instead, they rely on luck. These games run based on random number generation, and the result thus has nothing to do with the player. Take slots as an example.
When you choose the amount to wager, you click on play, and the machine does the rest of the work. Your wins and losses have nothing to do with strategy, making it easy for beginners to walk away having won millions. These games are adrenaline-inducing as players seldom know what the outcome will be.
According to most studies, men prefer playing games of skill, while women are likelier to playing games of chance. From the same studies, poker was a favorite for men, while women enjoyed slots and bingo games more.
3. Gaming Sessions
People who enjoy gambling tend to spend more time in casinos than those who gamble occasionally. But who spends more time in casinos between men and women?
Studies show that men are more likely to spend more time in casinos. They regard casinos as social platforms where they can relax and mingle with other men in a relaxed setting.
They can enjoy a few drinks, put their gaming skills to the test, and even network. Women spend less time in land-based casinos, which is often attributable to their traditional roles.
However, these statistics could soon change with the rise of online casinos. Thanks to these casinos, people have more access to games and can thus enjoy a game or two on the move. Besides, with the elimination of the need to be physically present in a game, women can enjoy casino games from their homes or offices.
4. Age of Gambling
Who do you think starts gambling first? Is it men or women? You would likely believe that men would start gambling early, which would explain their numbers. However, that is not the case.
Studies show that most women start gambling at 24 or younger, which is much lower than the average starting age for men. However, as men take up gambling, they do so at a fast rate, which explains their higher numbers.
Final Thought
One of the critical differences between men and women is the emotions they experience after gambling. Have you noticed that women start gambling early and then stop? It owes to the feelings they develop after gambling.
While men often experience happiness, anger, and irritability following their losses and wins, women feel guilty and ashamed. And many stop gambling to steer clear of these negative emotions.
While the current marketing tactics aim at changing this attitude towards gambling, it is still highly prevalent, which would explain the earlier statistics.
