It is that time of year ladies. Comes around every spring. Guys start writing “Why aren’t their more women in poker?” They do extensive research into our minds without us even knowing it.
Myth #1: We care about the Royal Flush Girls.
It doesn’t bug us that WPT has the RFGs. We get that they are models. What does offend us is when girls that work hard are overshadowed by someone that they bring because of the way she looks and act like she is a poker player. If you want to use a girl to promote your brand fine but don’t pretend that she is a poker player unless she really is. Keep the models and players apart.
Myth #2: We are not brought up to be competitive.
I am going to use my beautiful niece Raegan as an example here. My niece does competitive dancing. She practices every day. She eats healthy and she has given it her all. She recently won a scholarship. Anyone says she hasn’t been taught to be competitive is just wrong. Even when I was a kid. I played softball and was on the schools swim team. I wanted to win. No one tries to come in second. That notion is just absurd.
Myth #3: Guys treat us bad that is why we don’t play.
Most guys are a pleasure to play against. But I will give some merit that this is in our heads. We have been told this will happen. It starts when boyfriends have poker nights where they don’t want their girlfriends at. Poker rooms goals should be to get female players into play their first game. We can handle being called sweetheart and guys looking at our chest. We all went to high school and have dealt with it before. It isn’t what is keeping us away from the game.
So why don’t more women play? My theory is simple.
It isn’t advertised to us. Most of the ads are created by men for men.
Safety. I live in Montreal I wish I could play more live games but a lot of the games in my area happen starting at 7 pm going until 3 am+. That means I have to take a $50 cab ride home. Supplying a shuttle bus for events that end late the downtown core would entice me go play more.
Lack of ladies games. The first question that is asked when someone brings up having a ladies game is, Will we get enough ladies? The answer is… YES. Poker rooms and casinos should try putting these together. It is a great way to get those women that are a little reluctant to play live. It is more social and a great way for the staff of the room to show women that they are welcome and that it is a friendly environment. The game sells itself once you have played. Just get us at the table that first time.
The Girl Across the Table 