A review of prevention and treatment for women with gambling disorder

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Author(s): Monreal-Bartolomé, Alicia ; Cabrera-Gil, Itxaso ; Royuela-Colomer, Estíbaliz ; Mateo-Canedo, Corel ; Beltrán-Ruiz, María ; Pérez-Aranda, Adrián ; Sanabria-Mazo, Juan P. ; López-Del-Hoyo, Yolanda

Journal: Journal of Behavioral Addictions

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: June 26, 2026

Research into gambling disorder (GD) typically focuses on men, with limited attention to gender-specific factors. The current study reviews existing research into prevention of and treatment for GD in women and girls. A total of 18 studies were included in the review. Prevention programs were mostly universal programs targeted to adolescents. Treatment programs were mainly based on cognitive-behavioural therapy. These programs typically had positive effects for women, yet dropout and relapse rates were high. This review highlights the need for more gender-specific interventions and research.

Citation: 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, 15(1), 135–156. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00487

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00487

Keywords: gambling disorder ; gender ; patient dropouts ; prevention ; treatment ; women

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Prevention

Conceptual Framework Factors: Cultural - Gender ; Cultural Factors ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Social - Social Demographics ; Social Factors ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Systematic Review

Geographic Coverage: Canada ; Europe ; Oceania ; United States of America

Study Population: Women/girls who received a prevention or treatment program for gambling disorder

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation, as part of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda. It was also supported by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.