Let’s Talk About Gambling Disorder: What It Is, How It Happens, and Why It’s More Common Than You Think
A lot of people gamble for entertainment — buying a scratch-off ticket, joining a fantasy league, or visiting a casino with friends. But for some, gambling slowly shifts from “fun” to something that feels out of control. That’s when it can turn into gambling disorder, a real mental health condition that affects the brain, the emotions, and pretty much every area of life.
So… what does gambling disorder actually look like?
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with gambling disorder often find themselves thinking about gambling constantly — planning the next bet or reliving past wins. They also tend to need bigger and bigger bets to feel that same excitement. And when they try to stop? They may get irritable, restless, or anxious.
A lot of folks gamble to escape stress, sadness, or loneliness. Others keep chasing their losses, convinced that the next big win will make everything better — except it usually makes things worse. There can also be lying or hiding gambling from loved ones, and in more serious situations, people start jeopardizing their relationships, jobs, or financial stability. Many eventually end up in a cycle of relying on others to bail them out.
Why does it happen?
There’s no single reason — it’s usually a mix of things. Mayo Clinic notes that mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance misuse often go hand-in-hand with gambling problems. For some people, gambling literally changes how their brain’s reward system works, making them crave that rush over and over again. Even certain medications — especially some used for Parkinson’s disease — have been linked to compulsive gambling.
And if someone grew up around gambling or started young, their risk tends to be higher. Men and younger adults also show a higher rate of gambling issues, but truly, anyone of any background can develop this disorder.
How do professionals diagnose it?
Clinicians use the DSM-5 criteria, which basically looks for a pattern of at least four gambling-related symptoms within a year.
Here are the 9 DSM-5 criteria that clinicians use to diagnose gambling disorder. Meeting at least 4 a year qualifies for a diagnosis of Gambling Disorder:
Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement.
Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
Preoccupied with gambling (e.g., reliving past bets, planning the next gamble).
Gambles to escape problems or to relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.
“Chases” losses — returns to get even after losing money.
Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or education/career opportunity because of gambling.
Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
To diagnose the disorder:
● Meeting 4–5 → Mild
● 6–7 → Moderate
● 8–9 → Severe
It’s not just “someone gambles a lot” — it’s that gambling is causing harm, stress, or serious problems in life.
What does treatment look like?
Here’s the good news: gambling disorder is treatable. Mayo Clinic offers several helpful options:
● Therapy (especially CBT): This helps people understand the thoughts and feelings that drive their gambling and teaches healthier coping skills.
● Medications: Not specifically for gambling, but antidepressants or mood stabilizers can help if someone has other mental health concerns alongside it.
● Support groups: Programs like Gamblers Anonymous offer community, understanding, and accountability — and that can make a huge difference.
● Relapse prevention: Gambling disorder often comes with ups and downs, so having a plan — avoiding triggers, setting boundaries, and building support — is crucial.
Why talking about this matters
Gambling disorder isn’t about being irresponsible or “bad with money.” It’s a recognized addiction, and just like any addiction, it can take over someone’s life before they even realize it’s happening. It can damage relationships, cause financial stress, and deeply affect mental health — not just for the person gambling, but for everyone around them.
But when people understand that this is a real, treatable condition, it becomes much easier to reach out for help without shame.
If you or someone you care about is struggling
You’re not alone, and help is absolutely available. Reaching out to a therapist, joining a support group, or simply opening up to someone you trust can be the first step toward regaining control. Our very own Lisa Shaefer specializes in gambling disorder if you are seeking support in Ohio.
References
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/BHSIA/dbh/Gambling/DSM%205.pdf
“Compulsive Gambling.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 June 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355184%20?
“Compulsive Gambling.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/syc-20355178?
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria: Gambling Disorder - Ct.Gov, portal.ct.gov/-/media/DMHAS/PGS/DSMDiagnosispdf.pdf.
Written by Aracely Guzman, MSW Student Intern – Carve Your Own Path