Compulsive gambling is a disorder in which a person cannot control his or her urge to gamble. Gambling is any betting or wagering carried out for oneself or others. Gambling depends on skill or chance. It may or may not involve money. Compulsive gambling disorder is an impulse control disorder.

What is going on in the body?

Gambling is thought to be a disorder when a person begins to do it on a regular basis. The person keeps gambling even though it has negative social, financial, interpersonal, or emotional results. He or she may bet on such things as:

It involves any situation that provides the gambler with action and excitement.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

A compulsive gambler can be male or female. This condition can affect any age, race, income, or religion. It is more common among people who also have other compulsive or addictive disorders. Depression and other mood disorders are also linked with compulsive gambling.

Legalized gambling is a fast-growing industry in the U.S. People can even gamble easily over the Internet.