During the COVID-19 pandemic, online casinos saw a surge in new players, including first-timers drawn by boredom or isolation, and seasoned gamblers from land-based venues shifting online. With the Netherlands' new Gambling Act effective from October 1, 2021, more women are exploring online gambling. This article examines the persistent gender gap among gamblers and how the legislation is gradually narrowing it.
Traditionally, gambling has been male-dominated, evoking images of men at poker tables with cigars and high stakes. Women often played peripheral roles, like 'lucky charms' blowing on dice. Today, online platforms are changing this. Research shows women gamble differently: men chase status, wins, and thrills, while women seek escape from stress, loneliness, or boredom. Women typically start later (more active in the 45-64 age group) but can develop problems faster.
In the Netherlands, gambling addiction reports have risen. Fred Sleutel, director of addiction center Hervitas, told NOS: "We've seen over a quarter more influx since the crisis began." Debt counselor Walid Somers notes worsening finances, especially in remote work sectors. Women's motivations—loneliness and boredom—made online casinos appealing during lockdowns. Shockingly, 95% of female gamblers are 'escape' players, favoring slots, video poker, lotteries, or bingo. Online anonymity counters the stigma of male-dominated physical venues.
A Guardian-featured gambler, Nancy, shared: "I would never have started betting if I couldn't have done it secretly on my phone. I had hundreds of different online gambling accounts. When I ran out of credit, I just went to another site and opened a new one." Anonymity, secrecy, and easy account creation escalated issues for many. While licensed sites monitor risky behavior, unregulated casinos without CRUKS (Central Register of Exclusion from Gambling) offer no protections. Sites without licenses or CRUKS, such as the casinos from this list, evade oversight and lure players with bonuses, often leading to mounting debts for vulnerable women.
More women are joining online casinos, but the industry gap persists. Anonymity remains crucial, especially amid addiction risks, as physical casinos' intimidating atmosphere lingers. True equality requires balanced participation and reduced addiction risks for women.
Normalizing women's gambling can encourage early help-seeking. Women already seek support more than men, but tailored interventions are needed due to behavioral differences. The Dutch Gambling Act mandates player protections for licensed casinos. Ideally, both genders enjoy gambling responsibly and access personalized help when needed.
If you're struggling with gambling, register with CRUKS for a mandatory break to regain control.
