Gambling in Kuwait has traditionally been frowned upon, but the landscape has been shifting as the nation bids to become more modern.
The shift in social norms has prompted questions about regulation, gender inclusion and Kuwait’s willingness to embrace practices it has traditionally outlawed.
Studies have shown that women account for nearly half of the total number of regular gamblers in established markets such as the United Kingdom and United States.
Data shows the trend is similar in Kuwait, despite the regulatory uncertainty there. Reputable online casinos in Kuwait exist, but they are operated by companies located overseas.
Unsurprisingly, there have been growing calls for the Kuwaiti government to consider regulating the industry so the nation can benefit from the tax revenue it generates.
Many other countries have used regulation to channel gambling revenue into social programmes. Others have turned gambling into an economic pillar.
Kuwait may not be ready for such a big leap, but they beginning to realise that the future is digital, and women will play a massive part in it.
A solid example of how the perception of females in the digital sphere has changed is the CyberSHE initiative.
CyberSHE is a hands-on training programme established by the Women in CyberSecurity Middle East (WiCSME) in partnership with telecom giant Zain at the Kuwait College of Science and Technology.
The scheme aims to train 1,500 women in cybersecurity. It is a shining example of the growing agency of women in the digital space.
Besides sponsorship duties, Zain, as part of its Women in Tech initiative, has been pushing for gender equality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Zain will also help in mentoring promising women. They set up technical workshops where women can receive proper certification, a stepping stone to gain employment and innovation.
More importantly, the program shows things are changing socially. The country remains conservative, as reflected in public policies, but a generational shift is sweeping the nation.
If Kuwait can trust women to defend national networks and play a central role in tech, they may be trusted as equals in decisions about digital entertainment mediums such as gaming.
The truth is that economic necessity alone might not nudge the government to legalise gambling in Kuwait, but diversity could.
Women in cybersecurity, programming and financial technology (fintech) are not only part of the workforce, but can also play a key role in shaping the ecosystem.
They can influence policy within institutions and recalibrate conversations around risk and digital behaviour while challenging dated assumptions about what women should be doing online.
Many people will view the CyberSHE initiative as a skill acquisition programme, but it is so much more than that. It is an incubator for a new generation of tech-literate Kuwaiti women, and they hold the keys to digital policy in the coming years.
Women can potentially drive the discussion around legalised and regulated gambling in Kuwait.
Spearheaded by its Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia has been pushing the envelope in entertainment, eSports, sports and tourism. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed suit.
The UAE established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to license operators, set guidelines and oversee its newly-birthed gaming industry.
Kuwait is just as cautious as its neighbours, but it is also driven by the same forces, such as youth and innovation. And women have their place in both.
Legalising gambling in Kuwait would be controversial. There would be a long-drawn-out debate if the country ever considers changing their long-held stance.
However, if Kuwait can find the sweet spot that considers sensitivities, responsible gaming and economic opportunity, it could be a chance to curate inclusive and forward-thinking policies.
Ignoring the rise of women in gambling will not make it disappear. If anything, it only shows the disconnect between regulation and reality.