The terms "problem" and "disordered" gambling are encompassing terms which refer to the full range of gambling problems, from mild to severe. The terms "compulsive", "pathological" and "addictive" gambling all refer to a serious mental disorder characterized by out of control gambling resulting in severe negative personal, family, financial, work and/or legal consequences.

Some Important Facts

• The compulsive gambler may be a person of either gender, of any age and from
   from any social, ethnic and economic group.

• Compulsive gamblers wager on any form of legal and/or illegal gambling, including the area of business and the financial markets.

• High school and college students have a higher rate of compulsive gambling than the general adult population.

• An individual who has had a problem with any substance is at a higher risk for developing a gambling problem. The compulsive gambler is often more difficult to identify than the substance abuser.

• People with serious mental/emotional disorders (especially depression) have a higher risk for compulsive gambling.

• Compulsive gamblers usually deny they have a problem and wait until the situation is desperate before seeking help. Family members are encouraged to seek assistance for themselves and consultation concerning how to increase the likelihood the compulsive gambler will seek help.