GAMBLING PROBLEM Characteristics

A pathological gambler meets five or more of these criteria:
Is preoccupied with gambling.
Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money.
Has unsuccessfully tried to stop gambling.
Is restless or irritable when trying to stop gambling.
Gambles to escape problems.
After losing money gambling, returns the next day to recoup.
Lies to conceal extent of gambling.
Has committed illegal acts to finance gambling.
Has jeopardized a relationship or job because of gambling.
Borrows money from others to repay gambling debts.
Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association