“Appena vinco smetto!” : Esperienze del gioco d’azzardo al femminile, nel territorio bolognese

Abstract

Women’s gambling remains largely under the radar and often escapes research findings. It shows characteristics that do not fully overlap with the trajectories of male gamblers. Beyond the biomedical approach, which generally frames the analysis of gambling, it is necessary to take into account the social dimension of female players, as well as the role of social networks and the predominance of social factors influencing women’s propensity to gamble. Gender differences concern not only the frequency of gambling, but also the specific features of women’s approach, which may also reflect the echoes of demands for female emancipation. After reviewing theoretical frameworks and sociological research on women’s gambling, the book—drawing on interviews conducted with female gamblers—offers an analysis of their “gambling careers,” identifying distinctive traits and patterns. The concluding section presents an ethical analysis of the complex relationship between the State and gambling.