The rising cost of living is expected to lead to an increase in harmful gambling among women as they try to supplement their household income, a charity has warned. GambleAware said nearly one in four women (24%) aged 18 to 49 who gamble expects to gamble more in the coming months due to the cost-of-living crisis, with 12% already turning to gambling in an attempt to increase their income.
A fifth of women (21%) are also already experiencing health challenges such as stress and anxiety due to gambling, a survey for the charity suggests. It fears this will increase over the coming months, with winter already associated with a spike in traffic to gambling websites among women.
In response, the charity has launched a prevention campaign targeting women to raise awareness of the support available for those who may be struggling. The campaign challenges the stigma around women who gamble, encouraging them and their loved ones to spot early warning signs.
