Gambling is a form of entertainment and social interaction characterized by betting money or material valuables on an uncertain outcome, such as rolling dice or spinning roulette wheels or betting on horse races. While most individuals gamble for fun, some become too involved and develop symptoms of gambling addiction that require professional treatment. People suffering from gambling disorder may: (1) deceive family and therapists regarding their involvement; (2) spend more time gambling than planned; (3) feel the urge to gamble even after losses have been sustained; (4) return the next day in an attempt to win back losses; and (5) commit illegal acts such as forgery or theft in order to finance their addiction (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

Gambling can be both psychologically addictive and socially engaging. It provides a respite from daily stresses while offering an exciting way to pass time – but, like any activity, gambling may also lead to depression, stress, anxiety, substance abuse, and debt problems.

Many individuals possess an innate drive to succeed and achieve financial gains, especially through personal or financial rewards. This desire is reinforced by our brain’s dopamine response to positive outcomes such as successfully shooting a basketball into the net; when this action succeeds, the person receives a dopamine reward which encourages repeat performance of this skill or action in future attempts. While this system can be beneficial when developing skills over time, gambling addiction could make this system dangerous.

Gambling can provide an escape from everyday stresses and anxiety for some, offering them an escape into fantasy world of glamour, sexiness and fun portrayed by media portrayal. Unfortunately this can make compulsive gambling even more likely for those susceptible. For people struggling with mood disorders such as depression, stress or anxiety a gambling habit may become especially harmful since they will turn to it in an effort to escape their feelings.

Evaluations in primary care settings for addictive disorders, including pathological gambling, are becoming an increasing component of patient care. While medical professionals are generally uncomfortable diagnosing someone based solely on their gambling behaviors, important aspects should be kept in mind when assessing such individuals such as: