Why Women are not in The Live Poker Room and The Evidence on How This Could Change

Abstract

A disproportional number of women who play poker can be found in the live poker room.  Despite the interest of casinos to draw more women to poker, the strategies implemented to increase interest and participation in poker tournaments for women has not improved turnout.  This is the second phase of an exploratory study to examine industry barriers for women in poker.  A survey was administered in which 309 poker players were questioned as to their poker habits, 35% female, 55% male. This study reveals key findings that are statistically significant as women have key factors that vary their experiences to men, which has little coverage in previous academic studies. Key findings include; (1) Women are more likely to play tournament style games that range from $100-$499 buy in levels than men, (2) Women are more likely to experience intimidation in the live poker room and of all poker players who experience negative experiences (intimidation, bullying, theft, etc.), women are more likely to feel the issue was NOT resolved to their satisfaction.  This secondary study furthers the initial exploratory study and will provide implications for growth to this key segment of the $40 billion-dollar industry.