Gambling in women: A systematic review of interventions and prevention approaches

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported

• Effect Size: Not reported in abstract

• Primary Outcome: Gambling severity and psychological distress reduction in treatment studies; improved gambling knowledge and reduced cognitive distortions in prevention studies

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Higher dropout and relapse rates among women with greater psychopathology or limited support

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Standard CBT-based interventions available but require adaptation for gender-sensitive delivery and individual tailoring Relevant to Australian practice given similar gambling prevalence patterns; could inform development of gender-specific treatment protocols within existing addiction services and Medicare-funded psychological interventions Women with gambling disorder or at risk, particularly those with comorbid psychopathology requiring tailored approaches

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gambling disorder (GD) is a behavioral addiction with significant psychological, social, and economic consequences. Despite growing female participation and distinct gambling characteristics, research and interventions largely male-centered, overlooking women-specific factors. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review synthesizes evidence on prevention and treatment interventions for women with GD, assessing their effectiveness on gambling behaviors, cognitive and psychological outcomes, and identifying barriers related to access, adherence, and gender-sensitive design. METHOD: A systematic search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science (up to September 2025) identified quantitative studies reporting female-specific outcomes in gambling prevention or treatment. Study quality was appraised using National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tools, and data on intervention characteristics, outcomes, and participant profiles were extracted. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria (five prevention, thirteen treatment). Prevention programs, mostly universal and adolescent-focused, improved gambling knowledge, cognitive distortions, and short term gambling frequency; however, socioemotional effects were inconsistent. Only one study included follow-up assessment. Treatment studies, predominantly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based, reduced gambling severity and psychological distress, although dropout and relapse rates were higher among women with greater psychopathology or limited support. Person-centered approaches benefited of tailoring interventions to individual profiles. No studies systematically applied gender-sensitive frameworks or disaggregated outcomes by sex in prevention. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Prevention and treatment programs can benefit women, but standard interventions insufficiently address their unique needs. Gender-sensitive, individualized strategies, inclusion of socioemotional factors, and long-term evaluations are essential to enhance outcomes and inform inclusive public health policies.

References

1. 1.Monreal-Bartolomé, A., Cabrera-Gil, I., Royuela-Colomer, E., Mateo-Canedo, C., Beltrán-Ruiz, M., Pérez-Aranda, A., Sanabria-Mazo, J. P., & López-Del-Hoyo, Y. (2026). Gambling in women: A systematic review of interventions and prevention approaches. Journal of Behavioral Addictions. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00487