More and more women are becoming addicted to gambling, according to a study carried out in Argentina, which assures they start gambling younger and feel more attracted to casino games once they’re retired.

“Although it is true that women have always preferred bingo and slot machines rather than other (traditionally more addictive) casino games, the number of compulsive female players has increased a lot”, said doctor Susan Calero, psychiatrist and director of the Addiction Services at Alvarez Hospital.

“Ten years ago, 80% of the addict players we assisted in our hospital were men, and only 20% were women. But nowadays, women are almost 40%”, she added.

Among other discoveries, Calero said the study had detected women are starting to gamble at a younger age (25/30 years old). The statistics also showed that there are more retired women playing casino games and going to gambling establishments.

“At the beginning, their families accept it because they just see it as a harmless hobby and a way to keep them entertained and happy. However, sooner or later the situation becomes a really serious problem and they decide to come and see us, asking for advice”, she explained.