Compulsive gambling

Alternative names:

addictive gambling; gambling - compulsive; pathological gambling

Symptoms:

• occasional gambling becomes habitual
• loss of control over time spent gambling
• gambling continues, whether winning or losing, until all money is lost or the game is terminated
• gambling until large debts are accumulated
• lack of concern for society's expectations and laws
• unlawful behavior may occur to support the habit and pay debts

Signs and tests:

A psychological evaluation and history reveals compulsive gambling behavior.