What Is Problem Gambling?

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Problem gambling — also sometimes called “gambling addiction,” “gambling disorder,” “pathological gambling,” or “compulsive gambling” — refers to gambling behavior that becomes harmful or destructive to a person’s life, relationships, work, or mental health. 

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The clinical term most commonly used today is Gambling Disorder (GD). In the fifth edition of the diagnostic manual (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5), GD is classified — for the first time — under “Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders,” recognising that gambling can function like other addictions.

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Diagnostic Criteria (How Professionals Recognise GD)

To be diagnosed with Gambling Disorder, a person must show at least four of nine specific symptoms over a 12-month period. 

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Some of the key criteria include: 

• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.

• Being preoccupied with gambling (e.g., constantly thinking about gambling, planning the next bet, or ways to get money to gamble).

• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to stop, cut back, or control gambling.

• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.

• Returning to gamble to “chase” losses after losing money.

• Gambling when feeling distressed (e.g., anxious, depressed, helpless).

• Lying to conceal how much gambling is happening.

• Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity because of gambling.

• Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

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Gambling Disorder can be episodic (coming and going over time) or persistent (ongoing over years), and severity is often classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on how many criteria are met. 

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Why Problem Gambling Is Serious — Beyond Just Money

Even if someone doesn’t gamble frequently, or has “enough” money, gambling becomes a problem when it causes harm or distress. 

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Potential consequences include:

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• Financial ruin: mounting debts, loss of savings, even bankruptcy. 

• Relationship breakdown: family conflict, loss of trust, divorce or separation.

• Employment or educational problems: job loss, poor performance, dropping out of school. 

• Mental health effects: feelings of guilt or shame, anxiety, depression, even suicidal thoughts or behaviour. 

• Co-occurring issues: many people with gambling disorder also struggle with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, or other mental-health challenges. 

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Who Can Be at Risk — and Why It’s More Common Than Many Realise

• Gambling disorder doesn’t discriminate: people from any background, income level, education, or walk of life can be affected. 

• Because the online gambling industry has expanded dramatically, accessibility has increased — and with it, the risk of problem gambling. This is particularly true in contexts where financial pressures are high. 

• Among young people and adolescents who gamble, some estimates suggest up to about 5 % may develop problematic gambling behaviour.

• Stress, economic hardship, social isolation, or co-occurring mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety) can increase vulnerability. 

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What You Can Do — Support and Help Options (Especially in South Africa)

• If gambling is becoming harmful or feels “out of control,” consider reaching out for help. A first step can be acknowledging the problem. 

• In South Africa, organisations like South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) offer free and confidential treatment and counselling, including for affected family members. 

• Through programmes such as the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), you can also request self-exclusion (this means officially barring yourself from gambling venues or platforms), get counselling, and access support aimed at relapse prevention. 

• Support also exists via community-based groups such as Gamblers Anonymous South Africa, which provide peer-based support and meeting networks. 

• Treatment often involves specialised therapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioural therapy, support for co-occurring mental health issues), financial counselling, and developing healthier habits and coping strategies.