The world of online casino games has historically been dominated by men, but this trend is shifting rapidly as women become more prominent on online gambling sites. They’re challenging outdated stereotypes and excelling in the industry with their talent and resourcefulness.

Women are not only playing online — they’re also winning big at jackpot slots and popular live dealer casino games. Here’s a closer look at some of the remarkable female gamblers from history, women who have made waves in the modern era and the key factors they consider when playing.

The History of Women in Gambling

Born in 1844 in Kentucky, Carlotta Thompkins grew up with a well-respected gambler and racehorse breeder for a father. She would accompany him on his travels to the most prestigious casinos in New Orleans and Europe, where he taught her everything he knew about the art of gambling. 

Thanks to her natural talent and unwavering spirit and her father’s mentorship, Thompkins earned herself the nickname “Lottie Deno,” derived from the Spanish word for money, “dinero.” By the late 1800s, she was the most famous poker player in all of Texas.

Thompkins wasn’t alone in making a significant impact on the world of gambling in the 19th century. Poker Alice, notorious for her exceptional poker skills and fearlessness, also defied societal norms and made her mark in the history of gambling.

During this time period, it was highly unusual for women to be involved in gambling, let alone allowed in gambling halls or at the tables. Women who did participate were often mocked, harassed or shunned by society. Despite these obstacles, women like Lottie Deno and Poker Alice succeeded, gaining recognition and respect for their skills.

Their success paved the way for modern women to follow in their footsteps in the world of gambling.

What Percentage of Gamblers Are Female?

Now in the 21st century, women are just as likely to be found at the poker table as men. In fact, 49% of all casino visitors are female. Women also represent a significant share of the global online gambling market, with 44% of all online gamblers being women. Additionally, 42% of sports bettors are women, highlighting a growing interest and the influence women have as consumers in the market.

Famous Female Gamblers in the Modern Age

Today, countless women have made a name for themselves in the gambling industry. Vanessa Selbst is one of them, with live poker tournament winnings of over $11.8 million. Christina Boshoff also made headlines when she won an incredible $1.4 million jackpot on a slot machine in Las Vegas. Liv Boeree, a professional poker player from England, has earned over $3.5 million in online and live tournament winnings. Broadcaster Victoria Coren Mitchell has earned over $2.4 million in live tournament winnings and is the first person to have ever won two European Poker Tour titles.

Key Factors Women Consider When Gambling

Compared to men, women seem to have a distinct approach to gambling. They tend to do more research, consider the odds and are more cautious about taking risks. Women also see gambling as a social activity, enjoying games that involve interacting with others, such as live dealer casino games. They usually prefer luck-based games like slot machines, while men often prefer skill-based games like poker. That isn’t always the case, though! This is evident not only by the women mentioned above for their poker achievements but also the fact that the number of women who enjoy playing poker is increasing.

Join the Ladies at Borgata Online

The gambling industry is no longer just a man’s world, as women are proving to be just as talented and successful in the field. From historic female gamblers to modern-day poker champions and jackpot winners, women are making significant strides and breaking down stereotypes. As more and more women enter the space, the industry is becoming more inclusive and female-friendly.

With endless opportunities to showcase their skills, there’s never been a better time for women to try their luck playing casino online games and join the ranks of successful female gamblers. 
If you’re interested in becoming a part of this exciting community, register now and take advantage of our fabulous incentives to boost your gameplay.