A surge in online gambling is driving a sharp increase in problem gambling among women, with new data showing participation rates nearly equal to men and a growing number of women seeking help in states like Pennsylvania
Online gambling has rapidly expanded across the United States, and new evidence suggests that women are increasingly affected by problem gambling behaviors. While men have historically made up the majority of gambling addiction cases, recent data points to a significant shift in participation and risk among women, raising new concerns for regulators and treatment providers.
Participation Rates and Bankruptcy Data
According to a Bloomberg Law analysis, women represented about one-quarter of bankruptcy filings in 2025 that listed major online sportsbooks as creditors. The American Gaming Association also reported that women accounted for 35% of online sports bettors last year, up from 26% in 2022. These figures indicate that the gender gap in gambling participation is narrowing, with women now nearly as likely as men to engage in online betting.
Experts note that women who begin gambling later in life may develop problem gambling behaviors more quickly than men, a pattern known as the “telescoping effect.” This trend is prompting a reevaluation of traditional assumptions about who is most at risk for gambling-related harm.
Changing Demographics in Treatment
Therapists specializing in gambling addiction report a noticeable change in the profile of women seeking help. While the stereotype has long been older women playing slot machines or bingo, clinicians like Jennifer Levitt in the Philadelphia area now see more career professionals, new mothers, and younger women among their clients. Women currently make up about one-third of Levitt’s caseload, a marked increase from previous years, and include individuals from a range of professional backgrounds such as CEOs, lawyers, and therapists.
Some women are also gravitating toward strategy-based games like poker and blackjack, challenging the assumption that female gamblers prefer only passive forms of play. This shift in gambling preferences is reflected in the broader online market, where new products and features are designed to appeal to a wider demographic.
Pennsylvania Data Highlights State-Level Impact
Pennsylvania has emerged as a focal point for the rise in women experiencing gambling problems. Data from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania shows that women aged 45 to 54 made the highest number of calls to the state’s problem gambling hotline. The council’s executive director, Josh Ercole, notes that more women are reporting issues with online slots rather than traditional casino machines, mirroring the broader move toward digital gambling platforms.
Operators are also deploying new marketing tactics, such as prediction markets and personalized promotions, to attract and retain customers. A recent lawsuit in Philadelphia against FanDuel and DraftKings alleges that these sportsbooks use microbets, push notifications, and VIP perks—including a video message from Phillies star Bryce Harper—to encourage continued play among individuals with gambling problems. Harper has stated he was unaware of how his video would be used.
Broader Regulatory and Market Context
The increase in women affected by gambling addiction is not limited to Pennsylvania. Nationally, experts warn that the U.S. could be facing a new addiction crisis on par with those driven by tobacco and opioids. As online gambling becomes more accessible, the need for targeted responsible gambling measures and support services grows. Regulatory responses vary by state, and some jurisdictions are beginning to adapt their consumer protection strategies to address these emerging risks. For example, international regulators have also taken action to curb unauthorized online gambling, as seen when the Danish Gambling Authority blocked dozens of sites, including Polymarket, to protect consumers—a move detailed in coverage of Denmark’s recent enforcement actions.
Understanding the “telescoping effect” is important for both regulators and treatment providers. This term describes how women who start gambling later in life may progress from recreational play to problem gambling more rapidly than men. Recognizing this pattern can help inform the design of prevention programs, early intervention strategies, and support services tailored to the needs of women in the evolving online gambling landscape.
