Mathilde M Husky1, Grégory Michel2, Jean-Baptiste Richard3, Romain Guignard3, François Beck4. 1. Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Universitaire de France, Boulogne Billancourt, France. Electronic address: mathilde.husky@parisdescartes.fr. 2. Laboratoire EA 4139 Psychologie, Santé et Qualité de Vie, Université Bordeaux Segalen, Bordeaux, France. 3. French Institute for Health Promotion and Health Education (INPES), Saint-Denis, France. 4. French Monitoring Center on Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT), Paris, France; Cermes3-Cesames team (Research Centre Medicine, Sciences, Health, Mental Health, Health Policy), Paris, France; René Descartes Paris V University, CNRS, UMR 8211, INSERM, U988, EHESS, Paris, France.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The objectives of the present study are to describe gender differences in factors associated with moderate risk and problem gambling. METHOD: Data were extracted from the 2010 Health Barometer, a large survey on a representative sample of the general population aged 15-85 years living in France (n=27,653), carried out by the National Institute for Health Promotion and Health Education. Data were collected between October 2009 and July 2010. A computer-assisted telephone interview system was used. RESULTS: The findings indicate that men are three times more likely to experience problems with gambling. Men and women have different patterns of gambling activities. Men were more involved with Rapido, internet gambling, sports and racetrack betting, poker, and casino tables, whereas women gambled more often on scratch games. Both men and women engaging in immediate reward games were significantly more likely to experience difficulties with gambling. This association, however, was stronger in women. Furthermore, suicidal ideation and behaviors were more likely to be associated with gambling problems in women as compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the importance of considering gender-related differences in the study of gambling behaviors.
INTRODUCTION: The objectives of the present study are to describe gender differences in factors associated with moderate risk and problem gambling. METHOD: Data were extracted from the 2010 Health Barometer, a large survey on a representative sample of the general population aged 15-85 years living in France (n=27,653), carried out by the National Institute for Health Promotion and Health Education. Data were collected between October 2009 and July 2010. A computer-assisted telephone interview system was used. RESULTS: The findings indicate that men are three times more likely to experience problems with gambling. Men and women have different patterns of gambling activities. Men were more involved with Rapido, internet gambling, sports and racetrack betting, poker, and casino tables, whereas women gambled more often on scratch games. Both men and women engaging in immediate reward games were significantly more likely to experience difficulties with gambling. This association, however, was stronger in women. Furthermore, suicidal ideation and behaviors were more likely to be associated with gambling problems in women as compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the importance of considering gender-related differences in the study of gambling behaviors.