Female frequent Internet gamblers: a qualitative study investigating the role of family, social situation and work

The study undertaken was a qualitative study of 25 females in the UK who gambled at least twice a week on the Internet. Volunteers were recruited from a wide range of sources. The sample included 16 problem gamblers (PGs) and nine frequent gamblers. Most of the women spent considerable periods at home and Internet gambling was something to do that was fun and where they could chat to others. The majority of PGs were initially motivated to gamble by the winnings but they soon found that it was a way in which they could temporarily escape from their problems. Problem Internet gamblers indicated the damaging impact on the lives including family relationships and finances. The long hours spent gambling meant that sometimes the quality of their work suffered but no one had lost their job. After disclosure, family members were nearly all supportive, both emotionally and practically. However, it is difficult to predict longer term consequences especially if the gamblers relapse or develop more chronic difficulties.