Problem gambling is any gambling, betting or wagering that causes family, financial, legal, emotional or other problems for the individual, their family or others. Gambling problems can be mild, or quite severe, and can worsen over time.

Often recognized by the term ‘Gambling Disorder’, and previously known as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, this issue was first recognized as an ‘Impulse Control Disorder’ by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980 as a result of the pioneering work of Robert Custer M.D.

Gambling Disorder is now classified in the “Addiction and Related Disorders” category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association. This disorder is identified as a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that has lead to clinically significant impairment or distress.

While millions of Americans, and hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experiencing gambling related problems, it is important to know that help is available.

Source: National Council on Problem Gambling