Understanding Compulsive Gambling: Symptoms & Impact

Compulsive gambling, also called gambling addiction, is the inability to resist impulses to engage in gambling behavior, despite the negative consequences the behavior causes. It is classified as an impulse-control disorder.

Symptoms of compulsive gambling can include:

- Preoccupation with gambling

- Increased gambling frequency and intensity

- Neglecting work, school, and family obligations to gamble

- Chasing losses

- Experiencing financial problems as a result of gambling

- Lying about gambling behavior

- Stealing or committing fraud to obtain money to gamble

- Feeling restless, irritable, or depressed when not gambling

- Experiencing physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, when not gambling

Treatment for compulsive gambling may include psychotherapy, medication, and self-help groups. With treatment, many compulsive gamblers are able to recover.