A Hidden Financial Crisis Among Women
Carla Brandoff spent her career on Wall Street managing high-stakes transactions. This background in finance did not protect her from the rapid progression of a gambling addiction that cost her roughly $1 million over four years. Brandoff now works in real estate and spends her time helping others navigate the same recovery path she started in October 2022. She remains one of the few voices highlighting a growing demographic in the world of problem gambling. While public perception often labels the problem gambler as an older person at a slot machine, the reality is shifting toward a younger, high-achieving professional.
Data from the American Gaming Association shows that women accounted for 35% of online sports gamblers last year. That figure stood at 26% in 2022. This spike arrives as the industry expands into new areas like prediction markets where people bet on everything from celebrity weddings to political speech content. Experts observe that women who begin gambling later in life often progress toward addiction faster than their male counterparts. This phenomenon, known as the telescoping effect, leaves treatment centers and state researchers playing catch-up. A recent 106-page report from a Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission on sports betting mentioned women only a handful of times.
The Changing Profile of the Gambler
Therapists in the Philadelphia area report a marked change in who shows up for treatment. Jennifer Levitt, a licensed counselor, notes that her caseload now consists of one-third women. Her clients include CEOs and lawyers who represent a departure from historical stereotypes. Many of these women report that they turn to online slots or strategy-heavy games like poker as a way to find solitary time. The accessibility of online platforms allows this activity to bleed into late-night hours. By the time a person disassociates, the clock often shows 2 a.m., and the financial stakes have surged beyond control.
This trend coincides with a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia against major sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings. The legal action alleges that these platforms use aggressive tactics such as push notifications and VIP perks to keep users engaged. One specific instance involved a video message from Phillies star Bryce Harper, which the legal complaint says was used to incentivize a high-volume gambler. The companies have asked the court to dismiss the case, maintaining that they hold no legal responsibility to police individual wagering habits. Meanwhile, lawmakers are looking into whether professional athletes should be banned from promoting these services.
Moving Toward Recovery and Understanding
Brandoff credits her recovery to a five-week residential program at Algamus Recovery Services in Prescott, Arizona. She notes that the cost of that treatment, approximately $6,000, was a fraction of what she frequently lost in a single weekend. Rich Benson, the founder of the center, notes that family obligations often prevent women from seeking residential care. For those who stay home, the isolation of online gambling makes the habit easier to hide from spouses and children. The consequences are often hidden until bankruptcy filings reveal the extent of the damage.
Research regarding these patterns remains thin. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania reports that calls to their hotline from women are highest in the 45 to 54 age bracket. For those struggling, the path forward often requires drastic life changes. Brandoff no longer trades stocks, does not purchase raffle tickets, and has appointed a third party to manage her finances. As she prepares to lead a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in West Philadelphia this October, she hopes to reach those still trapped in the same cycle she endured. The problem is unlikely to recede without targeted intervention and a broader societal shift in how states approach the marketing of these platforms.