What is gambling disorder?

Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting four (or more) of the following in a 12-month period: - Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement. - Is restless 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 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 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