TLDR
- A Swedish study found 34% of women gamblers aged 18-26 reported a past mental health diagnosis
- Only 13% of male gamblers reported a similar diagnosis
- Across all female age groups, the figure was 29%
- Sweden’s online gambling revenue grew from SEK17.8 billion to SEK18.4 billion in 2026
- Digital gambling now makes up 69% of Sweden’s entire gambling market
A new study from Sweden has found that young women who gamble report much higher rates of mental health problems than men who gamble.
The research came from Reflect Företagsutveckling AB, an independent institute. It used Norstat’s consumer panel to survey people across the country.
In total, 3,463 people took part. All of them gambled online or through land-based betting shops.
The results showed a clear gap between men and women. Among women aged 18 to 26, 34% said they had received a mental health diagnosis in the past.
For men, that number was much lower. Only 13% of male gamblers reported having a mental health condition.
Across all women surveyed, regardless of age, 29% reported a past diagnosis.
Online Gambling Keeps Growing
The study comes as online gambling keeps expanding across Sweden.
The Swedish Gambling Authority reported that the gambling market grew by 1.3% in 2026.
Online casino and sports betting revenue rose from SEK17.8 billion to SEK18.4 billion. Digital gambling now makes up 69% of the entire market.
Sweden brought in strict gambling rules after its 2018 Gambling Act. Even with those rules, concerns about young gamblers have not gone away.
Sweden has around 10.7 million people. Roughly 350,000 of them are thought to have some form of gambling addiction.
That puts Sweden near the higher end of gambling rates in Europe, where the average sits between 1.5% and 3%.
Gambling Linked to Coping, Not Just Fun
Researchers say the pattern in Sweden matches findings elsewhere in Europe.
Women are less likely than men to start gambling for fun or competition. Instead, many turn to gambling to deal with depression, anxiety, loneliness or stress.
Experts call this a maladaptive coping method. Gambling becomes a way to escape problems rather than just a form of entertainment.
Support groups have seen the same pattern. In the UK, GamCare says many women who develop gambling problems are already dealing with other issues before gambling becomes a problem.
Phones may play a role too. Mobile gambling is private and always available, which can make problems harder for others to spot.
A 2023 Swedish study found rising numbers of women seeking treatment for gambling problems. Many of them also showed higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Addiction specialist Louise Miller has cited research showing that while severe gambling disorder is still more common in men, women make up a larger share of people moving from low-risk gambling into harmful gambling.
Researchers say data on women’s gambling habits is still limited compared with data on men. They describe the topic as under-studied.
The latest Swedish figures give one of the clearest pictures yet of how gambling harm may look different for young women, especially as more gambling moves online.
