Online Games: Women’s Secret Passion (NAPSA)—For years, women across America haverolled their eyes in response to their husbands’ or boyfriends’ affinity for playing computer games. Today, however, their secret is finally revealed—women are even bigger computer game players than men. As broadband connections—which enable faster speed, smoother game play and improved graphics—become more commonplace, online gaming among womenis expected to increase. According to statistics from AOL Games, a leading online gaming destination for consumers, women now comprise the largest segment of online game players and are steadily increasing. While they may not be engaged in the sports or fighting games that men commonly enjoy, women have found their own place in the online gaming world. AOL Games reports that women play casino games like blackjack, keno and slots and word and puzzle gameslike crosswords in a much greater proportion than men. Womenare also more likely to play traditional games online such as dominoes, solitaire, bingo and backgammon. “There are three big reasons why online gaming is drawing so many women today: convenience, diversion and community,” explains Matthew Bromberg of AOL Games. “It’s convenient because virtual competition allows people to play at any time from the comfort of their own home. It’s also a great way to wind down after work or watching the kids.” If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Join ’Em Many women view online games as an opportunity to spend time with their children, and even More and more, women are join- ing in the fun and playing games on theInternet. practice on their own to brush up their gaming skills. Such games are also a great way for family and friends wholive apart to stay in touch and have fun. De-stress with Chess Gaming has always been a source of stress relief, relaxation and entertainment after a hard day’s work. Women in particular are finding that just a few rounds of an online game or two makes all the difference. Play for Free or Win Big Cash Several sites, such as Electronic Arts’ Pogo.com, offer avid gamers premium-based games where big cash prizes can be won. Thecosts range from a few dollars per year to several dollars per month, although some Internet providers, such as AOL Games (AOL Keyword: Games), offer access to premium services like Club Pogoforfree. High-speed broadband connections are making game play—from classics to multi-player strategy games—even more fun and enjoyable. So the next time you're looking for a stress-reliever, a few minutes of fun to alleviate boredom or a new world of sophisticated games, log onto the Web and take the challenge.
