In Ghana, a notable shift is underway as more women are increasingly drawn to gambling, marking a significant departure from traditional gender trends in the gaming industry.
The notable uptick in female participation across various forms of gambling has sparked both intrigue and concerns among experts and policymakers alike.
In April 2023, the President of the University of Professional Studies(UPSA) Student Representative Council (SRC), Majesty E.K. Ofori, disclosed that female students in Ghana are breaking the status quo by engaging in sports betting.
Mr. Ofori stated that some female students bet on football teams and basketball, even though they have limited knowledge of the odds and other technicalities involved.
With every passing day, some female tipsters rise to offer valuable insights and recommendations on games and casino outcomes, suggesting that, indeed, ”what men can do, women can also do and do it better”.
As societal attitudes evolve and gambling platforms diversify, more women are embracing games of chance and skill, prompting a reevaluation of marketing strategies and regulatory frameworks tailored to this growing demographic.
Factors contributing to this trend include greater accessibility to online platforms, the proliferation of targeted marketing campaigns, and evolving social norms that have normalised gambling for women.
“I used to think of gambling as something men do, but with so many options available online, it’s become more accessible and less intimidating. I downloaded the betting app, and since then, I have been playing Aviator for fun and to win money. I win nothing out of the betting odds I sort for, so the Aviator has been my go-to avenue when I go to the betting app, ” says Sadia Abdul, a 26-year-old Momo vendor at Achimota.
This surge in female gambling is not limited to casual participation but also includes a growing number of women who view it as a form of entertainment, relaxation, or even a potential source of income.
It is not uncommon to find women starting to gamble at an older age when they are feeling lonely because the kids are older or have left home, their spouse may have distanced themselves or passed on, and the quiet at home is too much to bear.
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Casino games (spin to win, roulette), sports betting (aviator, football) and online poker are among the popular choices that draw female players into the fray.
In the heart-pounding world of high-stakes gambling, Sonia Brobbey, 31, defied the odds and struck gold.
What began as a daring leap into the realm of chance quickly became a life-changing jackpot that left her breathless and beaming.
With nerves of steel and a strategy honed through countless hands of poker, Sonia navigated the tables with finesse by staking GHȼ5,000 and winning GHȼ67,352 at the Golden Dragon Casino 2023.
Her perseverance paid off in a thrilling crescendo as the final card fell in her favour, sealing her victory and a jaw-dropping payout.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she recalls, her eyes sparkling excitedly.
“It was like a dream come true”.
With skill, determination, and a touch of luck, she turned the tables on fortune and walked away with more than just winnings—she gained a story of resilience and triumph against all odds.
Industry experts point out that while women historically favoured games like bingo or slot machines, their preferences are diversifying.
“This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for the industry,” explains Mr Bright Quaye, a researcher specializing in gambling behaviour. “It’s crucial for operators to understand and cater to the unique motivations and preferences of female gamblers while ensuring responsible gambling practices are upheld.”
However, alongside the excitement surrounding this demographic shift, concerns about potential risks also loom large.
Reports indicate that women may be more susceptible to developing gambling problems under certain circumstances, such as coping with stress or seeking social interaction.
Advocacy groups and regulatory bodies are suggesting gender-sensitive approaches to gambling addiction prevention and support services.
Initiatives promoting awareness and responsible gambling behaviours among female players are gaining traction, aiming to mitigate potential harm while fostering a safe and inclusive gambling environment for all.
In the glittering world of casinos and high-stakes poker rooms, Naa Amerley Ashitey, 33, thought she had found her thrill.
What began as a daring adventure into the realm of chance soon spiralled into a costly obsession she couldn’t shake off.
Drawn by the allure of quick wins and the adrenaline rush of each bet, her night turned into a blur of cards and dice after losing the biggest stake of GHȼ32,154 in September 2023 at the Golden Dragon Casino.
The fashion designer’s days were haunted by mounting debts and shattered dreams.
“I felt invincible at first,” Naa admits, recalling the rush of her early wins. “But the losses crept up on me, slowly at first, then all at once.”
With each roll of the dice and every spin of the roulette wheel, Ama Zigah, 28, found herself entangled deeper in a game she couldn’t control. What started as a hobby evolved into a compulsion, her losses eclipsing the initial thrill of victory.
“It’s not just about the money(GHȼ7,561 lost in 2023),” she reflects, her voice tinged with regret. “It’s the feeling of chasing something elusive, hoping for that one big win to make it all right.”
As she confronts the consequences of her gambling ordeal—a mountain of debts and strained relationships—she hopes her story will serve as a cautionary tale.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement,” she warns, “but gambling can take more than just your money. It can take over your life.”
Now, Ama is seeking help to reclaim control and rebuild what she lost.
Her journey serves as a stark reminder that in the world of gambling, the stakes are high, and the losses can be devastating.
In the adrenaline-fueled world of sports betting, Maxine Dotse, 27, learned that even the surest bets can turn sour.
What started as calculated risks and hopeful bets quickly spiralled into a financial rollercoaster, leaving her wallet lighter and her spirits heavier.
Maxine sells women’s clothes online.
With each game, her heart raced alongside the scoreline, hoping for a win that would offset previous losses.
Yet, as losses mounted and bets grew riskier, the thrill of the game morphed into a bitter lesson in the unpredictability of sports and the harsh realities of gambling.
“It’s like watching your dreams fade in real-time,” Maxine admits, reflecting on the highs and lows of her betting journey. “You think you’re on top of the world one moment, and the next, it’s all slipped through your fingers.”
As Maxine counts the costs of her ordeal, she hopes her experience serves as a cautionary tale.
In the whirlwind of sports betting, where passion meets chance, the thrill of victory can swiftly give way to the sting of defeat, reminding bettors that in this game, the stakes are high—and sometimes, the losses are even higher.
Gone are the days of sidelines and spectators; today, women are boldly stepping onto the playing field of sports betting with fierce determination.