Compulsive gambling
For many people, betting and gambling are a form of entertainment. They participate without it being a cause of any problems for themselves or others. However, a small proportion of the population may experience serious problems when gambling. Current figures can be found in the Prevalence section.
Compulsive gambling has been recognised as a mental disorder in international classification systems since 1980, as a result of which the affected party may experience serious financial, emotional, physical and relational problems.
The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) includes compulsive gambling in its list of addictions for the first time. Clinical diagnosis is based on an individual expressing at least four of the following criteria repeatedly or consistently in a twelve-month period:
- Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
- Restlessness or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
- Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling.
- Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g. having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).
- Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g. helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
- After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses).
- Lies to others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
- Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
