Many people who gamble never develop a problem with the behavior. Some, however, engage in uncontrolled gambling that can lead to serious personal, vocational and financial consequences. This condition is also known as gambling addiction, compulsive gambling or pathological gambling.

Signs of gambling addiction include a preoccupation with gambling, telling lies to friends and family members about the behavior and a need to increase the amount of money bet while gambling. People who do not meet the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) criteria for a diagnosis of pathological gambling may still be considered problem gamblers.

Pathological gambling affects more men than women, more young people than seniors and more African Americans than other ethnic groups. Exposure to gambling when young, easy access to gambling facilities and a family history of gambling addiction all increase a person’s risk of developing a gambling addiction. A chemical imbalance in the brain may also play a role in developing pathological gambling behavior.

Specific mental health disorders sometimes coexist in people with a gambling addiction. These include depression, alcoholism, panic disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Pathological gamblers also have a high rate of suicide.

It is important for people with a gambling addiction to visit a psychiatrist for a thorough physical and psychiatric evaluation, which can identify any coexisting disorders that need to be treated. Several specific screening measures may be used to identify signs of a gambling addiction. Treatment for pathological gamblers can include medication, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, and/or psychotherapy.