Research suggests that men prefer to play strategic gambling games like casino table games, and women prefer to play non-strategic games such as slot machines. The researchers explored the idea that men prefer to gamble on strategic games to show their masculinity during play. Participants were 70 men receiving treatment for problem gambling. They completed a survey. Participants believed that gamblers who gambled on wagering products and casino table games wanted to be seen as smart and skillful in public. Compared to participants who played slot machines and lotteries, those who gambled on wagering products and casino table games were more likely to follow social norms about masculinity. Policy makers could use these findings to restrict gambling advertising that emphasize male gender roles, which can influence young men and result in gambling-related harm.
