Quick Answer

Problem gambling is a pattern of gambling behavior that disrupts your personal, family, or work life. It ranges from mild difficulty controlling gambling to severe addiction (gambling disorder). An estimated 6-9 million adults in the U.S. experience problem gambling, with many never seeking help.

Medical Definition

Problem gambling, also called at-risk gambling or disordered gambling, refers to any gambling behavior that creates negative consequences in a person's life, regardless of whether it meets full diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), problem gambling is defined as:

"Gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational."

This definition is intentionally broad because gambling-related harm exists on a spectrum—you don't need to "hit bottom" to have a problem.

Problem Gambling vs. Gambling Disorder

While often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings:

Problem Gambling (Broader Term)

Any gambling that causes negative consequences
Includes mild, moderate, and severe levels
May or may not meet clinical diagnostic criteria
Estimated 2-3% of U.S. adults (NGAGE 3.0 Survey, 2024)

Gambling Disorder (Clinical Diagnosis)

Severe, persistent problem gambling
Meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (4+ symptoms)
Classified as an addictive disorder
Affects 0.4-1.6% of adults globally (Calado & Griffiths, 2016)

Think of it this way: All gambling disorder is problem gambling, but not all problem gambling is gambling disorder.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling often develops gradually. Watch for these warning signs:

Financial Red Flags

Gambling with money needed for bills or essentials
Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
Selling possessions to get gambling money
Unexplained financial problems or missing money
Maxing out credit cards

Behavioral Warning Signs

Gambling for longer than planned
Increasing bet sizes to feel the same excitement
Thinking about gambling constantly
Lying about gambling or hiding gambling activity
Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative feelings

Relationship & Life Problems

Neglecting family, friends, or work due to gambling
Missing important events to gamble
Arguments with loved ones about gambling
Declining performance at work or school
Legal problems related to gambling

Emotional Indicators

Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop
Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed about gambling
"Chasing losses" (gambling more to win back what you lost)

If you recognize 2-3 of these signs, you may have a developing problem. 4 or more signs suggest more severe problem gambling that requires professional help.

Who's at Risk for Problem Gambling?

Research has identified several risk factors:

Demographic Risk Factors

Men are 2-3 times more likely than women to develop problem gambling (Petry et al., 2005)
Young adults (18-29) have the highest rates
Veterans have 2-3x higher rates than civilians (Westermeyer et al., 2013)

Psychological Risk Factors

History of other addictions (alcohol, drugs)
Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, ADHD)
Impulsivity or difficulty with self-control
Experiencing trauma or major life stress

Environmental Risk Factors

Easy access to gambling (online gambling, nearby casinos)
Family history of gambling problems
Peer group that gambles frequently
Exposure to gambling advertising

Recent Surge: Sports Betting

The 2018 legalization of sports betting dramatically increased problem gambling rates. A UC San Diego study (2024) found a 30% increase in gambling addiction risk following state legalization, with 68% of online sports bettors showing at least one sign of gambling addiction.

The Impact of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling affects more than just finances:

Financial Consequences

Average gambling debt: $40,000-$90,000 (Gordon Centre, 2021)
Bankruptcy, foreclosure, or repossession
Depleted savings and retirement funds
Damaged credit and inability to secure loans

Mental Health Effects

75% of problem gamblers experience depression
Anxiety, panic attacks, and severe stress
Suicidal thoughts (15-20% of problem gamblers attempt suicide)
Shame, guilt, and isolation

Relationship Damage

53% report significant relationship problems
Divorce or separation
Loss of trust from family and friends
Domestic violence (5x higher in families affected by gambling)

Physical Health Impacts

Sleep problems and insomnia
Stress-related health issues (headaches, digestive problems)
Substance abuse (co-occurring in 25-63% of cases)

Evidence-Based Treatment

The good news: Problem gambling is treatable, and early intervention prevents progression to severe gambling disorder.

Proven Treatment Approaches

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Most effective treatment for problem gambling
50-70% abstinence rates at 1 year (Gooding & Tarrier, 2009)
Addresses thinking errors and develops coping skills

2. Gambling-Specific Support Apps

Block gambling sites and apps
Track progress and money saved
Provide urge management tools
Connect with recovery communities

3. Support Groups

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) - free, peer-led support
SMART Recovery - science-based alternative to 12-step
Family support groups (Gam-Anon)

4. Self-Exclusion Programs

Ban yourself from casinos and gambling sites
Available in most states
Reduces temptation and access

5. Financial Counseling

Address gambling-related debt
Set up barriers to accessing money for gambling
Rebuild financial health

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact a professional if you:

Can't stop gambling despite trying
Are gambling with essential money
Have thoughts of suicide
Experience severe depression or anxiety
Have legal or major financial problems

Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Prevention Tips

If you gamble recreationally and want to prevent problems:

Set strict limits - Decide beforehand how much money and time you'll spend
Never chase losses - Accept losses and walk away
Don't gamble to solve financial problems - Gambling creates debt, it doesn't solve it
Avoid gambling when emotional - Don't gamble to escape feelings or stress
Track your gambling - Keep a record of time and money spent
Balance gambling with other activities - Don't let gambling crowd out hobbies and relationships

Getting Help Today

If you recognize signs of problem gambling in yourself or someone you love:

Immediate Resources:

National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Crisis Text Line: Text "GAMBLE" to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Online Tools:

NCPG Self-Assessment
Download Checkpoint App for blocking & recovery support

The Bottom Line

Problem gambling is not a moral failing—it's a recognized medical condition with proven treatments. The earlier you seek help, the easier recovery becomes. You don't need to lose everything before you deserve help.

If gambling is causing any negative consequences in your life, reach out today. Recovery is possible, and you don't have to do it alone.

References

National Council on Problem Gambling. (2024). NGAGE 3.0 Survey Results. https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Calado, F., & Griffiths, M. D. (2016). Problem gambling worldwide: An update and systematic review of empirical research (2000–2015). Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4), 592-613.
Petry, N. M., et al. (2005). Comorbidity of DSM-IV pathological gambling and other psychiatric disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 66(5), 564-574.
Westermeyer, J., et al. (2013). Gambling behavior and problems among veterans. Journal of Gambling Studies, 29(2), 317-327.
UC San Diego Health. (2024). Study reveals surge in gambling addiction following legalization of sports betting.
Gooding, P., & Tarrier, N. (2009). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural interventions to reduce problem gambling. British Journal of Psychiatry, 195(5), 365-372.

What is Problem Gambling? Definition, Signs & Treatment