Liz Karter's practice works exclusively with female problem gamblers

'Help is just a call away,' Liz Karter tells women problem gamblers

WHEN Liz Karter first began working with problem gamblers it was seen as an issue that affectedonly men. Now, figures from GamCare show a 14 per cent jump in calls for help from women gambling online.

"It's unclear whether the number of women witha gambling problem has increased or whether the number has stayed the same, but more of them now feel able to come forward," Karter, a therapist in problem gambling, said. "My sense is that it's a bit of both."

Believing that women are put off by forums such as Gamblers Anonymous, Karter founded her own practice, Level Ground Therapy, which works exclusively with female problem gamblers.

"When I first started to practise, problem gambling was a men-only issue. Back then, many women might have been intimidated by theenvironment of a casino or betting shop, preferring to play fruit machines in arcades. But now women can gamble via the internet in the privacy of their homes, so it's no surprise more women are reporting a gambling problem."

Karter, who qualified as a psychotherapist in 2001, has been raising awareness of the problem and the help available via the media, including appearances on ITV's This Morning, BBC 1's Missing Live and BBC Radio 4, plus an interview in The Observer.

"It is important women know that services exist where their issues will be understood and addressed. Help is only a call or mouse click away," she said. "Women favour different modes of gambling to men and are seeking different experiences from it. When it becomes a problem they are more ashamed of seeking help and put off by male-dominated environments like GA.

"When a person is trapped it will feel impossible for them to pull themselves away. They willbe craving more of what they want to experience from their gambling, or desperately chasing losses."

Karter identifies the warning signs gambling companies should look out for as being "increased spending in time and money by the player".

She added: "Therapy can help the gambler discover what triggers their problem gambling and so avoid the ‘trap'," she said.

"Responsible online gambling companies offer ways to help the gambler, but the level varies according to the company."

There are those who argue that betting companies and their staff need to be proactive, while accepting it can be difficult for firms to know the right moment to raise a warning flag and intervene.

Many firms - such as Camelot - allow pre-set limits, but Karter has a word of caution. "Pre-set limits are helpful only if the person's problem is loss-chasing through gambling more than they can afford to lose.

"If the problem lies in gambling to escape from their day-to-day problems  - as is the case for most women problem gamblers - they may turn to other forms of gambling addiction."

In addition to Karter's involvement, the work also being done by the likes of GamCare is hugely important when it comes to offering a way out for those who have found something enjoyable can turn into a nightmare.

Further information:

gamcare.org.uk, helpline 0845 6000 133

Liz Karter: levelgroundtherapy.com