Gambling Disorder

What is Gambling Disorder?

Gambling disorder involves repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress. It is also called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling.

For some people gambling becomes an addiction — the effects they get from gambling are similar to effects someone with alcoholism gets from alcohol. They can crave gambling the way someone craves alcohol or other substances. Compulsive gambling can lead to problems with finances, relationships and work, not to mention potential legal issues.

People with gambling disorder often hide their behavior. They may lie to family members and others to cover up their behavior and may turn to others for help with financial problems. Some gamblers are seeking excitement or action in gambling, others are looking more for escape or numbing.

• Diagnosis

  Diagnosis

  A diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year:

  1. Need to gamble with increasing amount of money to achieve the desired excitement
  2. Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
  3. Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling
  4. Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
  5. Often gambling when feeling distressed
  6. After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (referred to as “chasing” one’s losses)
  7. Lying to conceal gambling activity
  8. Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job or educational/career opportunity because of gambling
  9. Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling

  A person with gambling disorder can experience periods where symptoms subside and gambling doesn’t seem a problem in between periods of stronger symptoms.

  Gambling disorder tends to run in families, but environmental factors may also contribute. Symptoms of the disorder can begin as early as adolescence or as late as older adulthood. Men are more likely to begin at a younger age and women are more likely to begin later in life.

• Treatment

  Treatment

  While some people can stop gambling on their own, many people need help to address their gambling problem. Less than 10 percent of people with gambling disorder seek treatment.

  Gambling affects people in different ways, and different approaches may work better for different people. Several different types of therapy are used to treat gambling disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, group therapy and family therapy.

  Counseling can help you to understand about gambling, to think about how gambling affects you and your family, to consider other options and to solve problems.

  Counseling can help:

  • Gain control over your gambling
  • Heal family relationships
  • Deal with your urge to gamble
  • Handle stress and other problems
  • Find other things to do with your time
  • Put your finances in order
  • Maintain recovery and avoid slipping back

  Adapted from Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario

• Support Groups/Self-Help

  Support Groups and Self-Help

  Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous that uses peer support to help others stop gambling. Some research has shown physical activity/exercise to be beneficial for those with gambling disorder. Gambling helplines and other assistance exist in many states. (State/local gambling hotlines.)

  Strategies to deal with cravings:

  • Reach out for support – call a trusted friend, go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting
  • Do something else – distract yourself with other activities
  • Postpone gambling – giving yourself a period to wait may allow the urge to pass or weaken
  • Give yourself a reality check – consider what will happen when you gamble
  • Avoid isolation – look for healthy ways to socialize

  Adapted from Helpguide.org.

  There are no medications specifically for gambling disorder, but some medications may be helpful in treating co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.

  The support of family and friends can be very important to a person’s recovery from compulsive gambling, but only the individual can make the decision to quit.

"Dos" and "Don’ts" for Partners or Family Members

Do

• Seek the support of others with similar problems; attend a self-help group for families such as Gam-Anon
• Recognize your partner’s good qualities
• Remain calm when speaking to your partner about his or her gambling and its consequences
• Let your partner know that you are seeking help for your own sake because of the way gambling affects you (and possibly children)
• Explain problem gambling to children
• Understand the need for treatment of problem gambling despite the time it may involve
• Set boundaries in managing money; take control of family finances; review bank and credit card statements

Don’t

• Preach, lecture or allow yourself to lose control of your anger
• Exclude the gambler from family life and activities
• Expect immediate recovery, or that all problems will be resolved when the gambling stops
• Bail out the gambler
• Cover up or deny the existence of the problem to yourself, the family or others

Adapted from Helpguide.org.

Counseling can also be helpful for family members. Having a family member with a gambling problem can be difficult and distressful. Counseling can help you see your family’s strengths and see that things can change. It can also help you decide what actions to take and help manage stress, anxiety and depression.

Preventing Suicide

Problem gamblers are at increased risk of suicide. It’s very important to take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously. For immediate attention, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Learn More

Related Conditions

• Addiction and substance use disorders 
• Internet gaming

References

Physician Review By:

Philip Wang, M.D., Dr.P.H.
August 2018