Study Reveals Rising Gambling Disorder Among Women Linked to Mental Health Issues

Recent research indicates that women with a gambling disorder are significantly more likely than men to have accompanying mental health conditions. This trend coincides with an increase in gambling disorder diagnoses, particularly as online betting becomes more mainstream through apps like DraftKings and FanDuel.

A new analysis from Epic Research has underscored the need to explore the reasons behind gambling behaviors. The study examined data from 13,533 Americans diagnosed with a gambling disorder between January 2017 and May 2026, compared with 54,132 individuals who sought outpatient care without a gambling diagnosis. Findings revealed that a substantial percentage of women diagnosed with a gambling disorder experienced mental health issues prior to their gambling diagnosis, including 61.9% with depression, 60% with anxiety, and 24% with PTSD. In contrast, women without a gambling disorder had lower rates of these conditions, at 30.8%, 35.7%, and 10.3%, respectively.

Kersten Bartelt, RN and study co-author, noted that gambling disorder diagnoses have been rising in the U.S., especially in states that have legalized sports betting. The study aimed to determine how prevalent other mental health conditions were in individuals with a gambling disorder.

Experts like Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, pointed out that emotional and behavioral struggles often overlap between gambling disorders and other mental health conditions. Individuals coping with depression or anxiety might resort to gambling as a means of escape, thus exacerbating their mental issues.

While the study did not specifically identify why women are more at risk, theories suggest that higher rates of depression and anxiety among women may play a role. Gambling may serve as a coping mechanism for those feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities or emotional distress. This shift transforms gambling from a recreational activity to a method of managing difficult emotions.

The study’s findings highlight the interconnectedness of gambling disorders and mental health challenges. Over half of the women eventually diagnosed with a gambling disorder had pre-existing conditions like depression or anxiety. Bartelt emphasized the importance for healthcare providers to pay closer attention to overall mental health when encountering cases of gambling disorder, indicating that it may signal deeper emotional struggles.