What is Problem Gambling?

10 Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is a disorder characterized by maladaptive gambling behavior leading to negative personal, family and/or social consequences. Problem gambling includes but is not limited to the condition known as compulsive (or pathological) gambling. To be diagnosed with this disorder, the individual must have experienced five or more of ten characteristic symptoms, including:

• preoccupation with gambling-related thoughts, plans or activities;
• needing to gamble with increased sums to produce the desired excitement;
• having made repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back or stop gambling.
• restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop gambling;
• gambling to escape from problems or relieve an undesired mood such as helplessness,
  guilt, anxiety or depression;
• after losing money gambling, often returning to try to win it back (chasing losses);
• lying to conceal gambling activities or consequences;
• committing illegal acts to finance gambling;
• jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity
  because of gambling;
• relying on a "bailout" (money from others to relieve a desperate gambling-related financial situation);

To learn if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, visit the Learn the Signs section of this web site.