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Gender, gambling and problem gambling

Journal of Gambling Studies volume 12, pages 83–101 (1996)Cite this article

Abstract

With data from a 1989 Iowa survey (N=1,011), adult male and female respondents are compared on their problem gambling, its correlates, as well as their gambling behavior. Gambling behavior means its scope, frequency, wagering and leisure time spent at gambling. Women's gambling behavior was lower than that of men, due to their having a narrower scope of gambling behavior, but the genders were not significantly different on frequency, wagering and time spent at gambling. Women and men did not differ significantly on problem gambling. Problem gambling is measured as loss of control over gambling, and consequences due to gambling as well as gambling behavior. Women and men did differ significantly, however, on several predictors of problem gambling. Women's estrangement from a conventional lifestyle and integration into a social world of gambling appeared to help explain their problem gambling. Alcohol consumption appeared to be a more important predictor for men than women. The genders shared the attitude that the odds can be beat as well as being big spenders as predictors of their problem gambling. The results are interpreted with practitioners' efforts to prevent and treat problem gambling in mind.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, 50011, Ames, IA

    Joseph Hraba & Gang Lee

Authors
  1. Joseph Hraba
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  2. Gang Lee
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Additional information

This research was partially supported by the Iowa Department of Human Services and the Na tional Institute of Mental Health (1 RJ01 MH50369-01A1). The authors are grateful to anonymous re viewers and the editor of this journal for many helpful suggestions.

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Hraba, J., Lee, G. Gender, gambling and problem gambling. J Gambling Stud 12, 83–101 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01533191

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01533191

Keywords

  • Alcohol
  • Alcohol Consumption
  • Important Predictor
  • Leisure Time
  • Problem Gambling