-
Casinos for you
New Report Reveals Surprising Stats About Male Gamblers
By Shane Addinall Sep 15, 2022 IndustryRecent statistics confirm the well-covered topic of men’s pre-disposition to make riskier decisions. The study incorporated gambling and superstitions to better understand how male gamblers subconsciously justify risky bets.In the past, many have referred to the gambling industry as a man’s world. Gambling venues from decades ago were boys’ clubs, and the only women were those serving drinks, dealing cards, or cheering for their male counterparts. Although gender segregation in the gambling industry is something of the past, certain areas continue to be dominated by male gamblers. Risky gambling is one of those.
Recent studies from various regions show higher compulsive gambling rates among male players compared to female players. Denmark’s regulator reports on the satisfactory functioning of its responsible gambling program but points to the higher rates of harm among men. A study from the University of Rotterdam uncovers curious beliefs male gamblers have that lead to harmful wagering.
Is the risk-taking behaviour a genetic disposition, or is there more to it?
Denmark Reports Danger Signs
A recent study from Ramboll, commissioned by the Danish gambling authority Spillemyndigheden, reports that 87% of all calls received by the StopSpillet helpline come from male gamblers. The study also determined that the helpline for gambling disorder meets the desired requirements, and the data produced through its services help guide industry improvements.
According to the study, over one-third of the male gamblers who ask for help fall within the young adult age group between 18 - 25 years old. Most male callers have suffered from compulsive gambling for more than two years.
Here, the Danish regulator reminds us that statistics show that the likelihood of addiction increases when people gamble from a young age. The study confirmed that 50% of all callers started gambling before they were 18 years old.
Further details revealed that male gamblers typically spend more on gambling and 62% of the male callers used online platforms for their wagering. The findings from the Danish study align with others from across the globe to confirm that more men suffer from gambling disorders than women do.
Superstitions Drive Risky Bets
A curious revelation came from the Erasmus University of Rotterdam (EUR), following a study on men’s gambling behaviour and its correlation with superstition. The researchers concluded male gamblers lean toward riskier gambling behaviour thanks to superstitions, like the gambler’s fallacy. Xiaoyue Tan, a researcher at EUR, said:
“Superstition suggesting that good luck is ahead may increase men’s expectations of beating the odds, decrease anxiety, provide a justification for a risky choice, and consequently increase men’s risk-taking behaviours.”
Although most male gamblers will deny it, the study showed a strong link between men’s gambling decisions and beliefs driven by lady luck. Men are also more likely to believe that a ritual has the power to change their fortune during a gambling session. Psychologist links the behaviour to men’s innate need to command their own fate.
Superstitions and the belief in luck being around the corner help gamblers justify illogical wagers. It also drives risk-taking behaviour like chasing a win or trying to make up for a loss.
Male Pre-Disposition
More studies on comparisons with risk-taking behaviour determined that women do not avoid risky activities, such as sports, but there is a notable difference between female and male gambling and financial decisions. A significant number of the male research subjects were more likely to make a risky bet and continue the path, regardless of concrete wins, because of superstition about approaching fortune.
While women are not immune to pathological or problematic gambling behaviour, men’s predisposition for taking greater financial risks causes higher occurrences of gambling harm. The confirmed risk-taking behaviour positions male gamblers in harm’s way.
The question is, who will take the steps to minimise harm and does this knowledge alone have the power to change men’s wagering beliefs?
You might also like