Women odds on for a gamble

Traditionally, women have been associated with having a flutter on bingo, but now they bet on everything from reality TV to the horses.

The lottery has been credited with changing habits, making gambling open to all.

Of those surveyed by Teletext racing, 47% of women liked a flutter, compared to 53% of men.

The stereotype image of a woman picking a horse with an appealing name has gone and the approach is much more scientific, with women going "online" to study the form, according to the survey.

Twice as many women as men bet on Channel 4's reality TV show - Big Brother - and the Grand National is a more important bet for women than men.

Men tend to stick to traditional sport, such as football.

Small money

Editor of Teletext racing John Blake said: "Our research suggests a clear shift in female betting habits.

"It's not as intimidating as it once was to walk into a betting shop and the advent of the internet means you can place a stake at your desk.

"Women are taking a scientific approach to betting - female take-up of our web and SMS update services is high as women aim to arm themselves with the form."

Women are, however, less likely to be high rollers.

'Biological edge'

The vast majority of females (91%) only bet up to £5 a time.

Psychologist Donna Dawson said: "Men have always had the biological edge when it comes to aggression and competitive urges, so it is intriguing to see that the Teletext racing survey reveals nearly as many women as men admit to gambling.

"Many people are drawn to betting as it gives us a break from the daily routine - we can raise our adrenalin levels, create suspense, compete against friends and the odds, and see if our judgement turns out to be 'right'."

She added: "On a deeper level, gambling can also be a way to superimpose order on the 'unknowable', to provide us with a temporary sense of omnipotence."