Millions of Americans are estimated to be compulsive gamblers including women, adolescents, and senior citizens. Compulsive gambling is a progressive disorder in which the individual has a psychologically uncontrollable preoccupation with gambling. Gambling is defined as any betting or wagering, for self or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or skill.
Gambling can become a ‘hidden’ addiction that shows no physical symptoms. The first signs of disease of gambling addiction are excessive preoccupation with gambling and using gambling to escape depression or other psychological problems. Other symptoms of gambling addiction include mood swings and an erratic pattern of spending.
