Recent studies commissioned by government financed agencies have clearly shown the huge boom in the numbers of women involved in gambling.

Now GamCare, an authority set up to investigate gambling trends and help those who become too dependent on gambling in the UK, say women make up over a quarter of the addicts in the country.

In 2000 they say women represented 2 % of the people they assisted. This has risen dramatically since then and it’s now estimated that one in four of those who contact GamCare for help are women.

In 2006, 13% of first time calls to the GamCare telephone helpline were from women with gambling problems.

Most women who contacted GamCare stated that their main gambling activity was playing fruit machines, usually in an amusement arcade as well as Online gaming sites.

In a recent report undertaken by gambling expert and therapist Faith Freestone it was claimed that the internet allowed women to gamble when they wouldn’t have previously.

Freestone said “The internet is making all the difference now. Most women wouldn't be seen dead inside a bookmaker's but were happy to spend hours gambling online with credit cards. Gambling has become so accessible and so de-stigmatised.”

In reaction to the statistics Gamcare say they are now actively trying to come up with ways to help female gamblers specifically.

GamCare say that because women are generally seen to be nurturing, selfless and caring many can experience enormous shame and guilt as a result of gambling.

They say some feel they are depriving not only themselves but their families, due to the gambling behaviour.

A therapeutic group for women began in April of this year and is held at the GamCare offices in London.

Also Dr. Roslyn Corney, from the Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Greenwich in London is currently conducting research on women who gamble and the impact on their lives.

Details of how to take part in this ground breaking study can be found on GamCare’s website which is www.gamcare.org.uk