What is the role of gender in betting and gambling: an analysis of preferences and patterns of responsible gambling

Introduction:
In the vast landscape of betting and gambling, the nuances of gender differences have become increasingly apparent. Delving beyond the shared excitement of risk and reward, recent studies highlight distinctive betting and gambling styles between men and women. Understanding these differences not only shapes the gaming industry’s approach but also provides crucial insights for fostering responsible gaming practices.

Risk-Taking Behavior:
Men, often influenced by societal expectations that celebrate risk and competition, are drawn to high-stakes games. Poker, renowned for its strategic depth, and sports betting, requiring analytical prowess, are prime examples. The allure lies in the adrenaline rush associated with the potential for substantial wins.
Women, conversely, lean toward games with lower risk factors. Slot machines and bingo, dominated by chance, provide a more relaxed gaming experience. The motivation for women is often rooted in entertainment, socializing, and the joy of shared experiences rather than a relentless pursuit of financial gains.
Acknowledging these differences allows operators to implement tailored interventions. Offering diverse game portfolios that cater to varied risk appetites promotes responsible gaming. Providing clear information on risk levels and promoting low-stakes options can ensure a safer gaming environment.

Choice of Games:
Men’s inclination toward skill-based games aligns with the desire for competition and strategic challenges. Poker rooms and sportsbooks cater to this preference, fostering an environment where knowledge and skill play pivotal roles.
Women’s preference for chance-based games emphasizes luck and sociability. Slot machines, known for their simplicity, and bingo, a communal game, cater to these preferences. For women, the enjoyment derived from the game’s atmosphere often surpasses the quest for competitive triumph.
Offering a diverse game library that includes both skill-based and chance-based options promotes inclusivity. Implementing features like reality checks and spending limits encourages responsible engagement across all game types.

Motivations for Gambling:
Men’s motivations are often linked to financial gains and the thrill of competition. Winning signifies status and achievement, reinforcing the appeal of high-stakes endeavors.
Women find motivation in social and recreational aspects. Gambling is a form of entertainment and a means of connecting with friends. Viewing losses as part of the cost of entertainment, women prioritize the experience over the outcome.
Promoting responsible gaming involves understanding and addressing these motivations. Establishing clear communication on the recreational nature of gambling and the importance of budgetary constraints cultivates a healthier gaming culture.

Frequency of Play:
Men’s more frequent and impulsive gambling behavior can be attributed to the social acceptability of engaging in competitive and risk-oriented activities regularly.
Women, considering gambling as a periodic social activity, are more likely to align their habits with social events or special occasions.
Recognizing these patterns allows operators to implement targeted harm reduction measures. Providing tools for self-assessment, setting session limits, and encouraging periodic breaks contribute to a more controlled gaming experience.

Conclusion:

Decoding gender dynamics in betting and gambling unveils a spectrum of preferences that can inform responsible gaming practices. Extracting good practices involves tailoring interventions, offering diverse gaming options, and fostering open communication about the nature of gambling. By recognizing these distinctions, the gaming industry can embrace inclusivity and responsibility, creating an environment where both men and women can enjoy gaming safely and responsibly.

Embracing the less risky behavior exhibited by women in gambling provides a valuable blueprint for instilling more responsible gaming practices among men.Educating male players about the benefits of a more measured approach, implementing spending limits, and encouraging a mindset that views losses as part of the overall entertainment experience contribute to fostering responsible gaming habits. Ultimately, by leveraging the strengths of both gender approaches, the gaming industry can create a more balanced and responsible environment for all players.

China Adopts New Rules to Restrict Video Game addictions

Chinese regulators have announced a wide range of new rules aimed at restricting the use of video games. This was made clear by the National Press and Publications Administration.

According to the new rules, video game manufacturers will be prohibited from awarding prizes to players in the following cases: if they play every day; if they give money for the game for the first time or if they make consecutive purchases in the game. They will also not be allowed to offer random draws features to minors and allow auctions of virtual gaming items. In addition, manufacturers will impose limits on digital wallets for in-game spending.

The new rules included a proposal that is widely expected to be welcomed by the industry, requiring regulators to process game approvals within 60 days.

As the time passes by it shows that Beijing becomes firmer when it comes to videogames and their distribution. In 2021, China set strict playtime limits for under the age of 18 and suspended approvals of new video games for about eight months, citing gaming addiction concerns.

Responsible Gaming Foundation Continues to Support the Addiction Helpline

Responsible Gaming Foundation continues to support the unique helpline for prevention and assistance of addicts, which is free of charge for them. The National Drugs, Alcohol and Gambling Helpline is maintained by psychologists and experts from the Association for Rehabilitation of Addictions “Solidarnost”, with which the Foundation is partnering.

“I am happy to announce that in 2024 we will continue to support the national helpline. We have seen good results since we started funding it and many people have received help from specialists”, said Milena Tsankarska, Executive Director of the Responsible Gaming Foundation.

The national helpline provides opportunities for prevention and support, with experts assessing each specific situation individually and paying special attention to the family environment and relatives, who are also provided with the necessary assistance in resolving various issues.

The consultation is completely free, and calls are anonymous, unless the caller himself wants to introduce himself. You should contact the specialists from “Solidarnost” by phone +359 888 99 18 66.

Responsible Gaming Foundation successful participation in BEGE 2023 has ended

During this year’s edition of the Balkan Gaming Expo BEGE 2023, the Responsible Gaming Foundation presented its initiative “In Focus: Responsible Gaming”, strengthened partnerships and organized an event where licensed operators and organizers of gambling presented their successful campaigns and policies for prevention of unreasonable gaming behavior in the form of Case Studies.

The topic of responsible gaming was largely discussed during the Eastern European Gaming Summit EEGS, during which experts such as Peter Remers, Dan Iliovici, Zoran Puhach and Rossi McKee, co-founder of the Responsible Gaming Foundation, commented on the latest innovations, methods and ways to deal with irresponsible gaming behavior.

During the last two BEGE exhibitions, the Responsible Gaming Foundation and the Association of Gaming Industry in Bulgaria (AGIB) participated with a common stand. The two organizations are long-term partners and over the years have jointly implemented a number of initiatives, including trainings and seminars promoting responsible gaming behavior. Their latest initiative is “On Focus: Responsible Gaming” and started in October 2023. Its purpose is to promote the policies of reasonable behavior when using the products of the gaming industry; to work towards increasing the culture of consumers in terms of responsible behavior in play and the level of understanding of responsible gaming. The initiative will unfold in 2024, when more seminars, webinars and conferences on responsible gaming will take place.

AGIB and the Responsible Gaming Foundation with a common stand at BEGE 2023


The Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria (AGIB) and the Responsible Gaming Foundation (RGF) will participate together in this year’s edition of the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo – BEGE 2023. The common stand of both organizations will be located in hall 3 and can be found under number 3.18.
The Association and the Foundation are long-standing partners and have jointly implemented a number of initiatives, including joint trainings and seminars promoting responsible gaming behavior. The last joint initiative of the Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria and the Foundation – “Responsible Gaming: on focus”, started in October 2023. The aim of the initiative is to promote the policies of reasonable behavior when using the products of the gaming industry; to work towards increasing the culture of users regarding responsible gaming behavior and the level of understanding of responsible gaming.
BEGE 2023 will be held on November 22 and 23 at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia. The exhibition annually gathers various representatives from both the gaming and entertainment industry, as well as non-governmental organizations, operators, regulators, producers and providers of gaming content. The event is accompanied by the EEGS conference, which includes a Master Class and an Affiliate Conference.
See what the principles of responsible gaming are.