Main Features of Pathological Gambling

Preoccupation Is preoccupied with gambling (e. g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
Tolerance Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
Withdrawal Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling Escape Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or relieving dysphoric mood (e. g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression)
Chasing After losing money gambling, often returns another day in order to get even (” chasing one’s losses”) Lying Lies to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling Loss of control Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling Illegal acts Has committed illegal acts (e. g., forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement) in order to finance gambling
Risked significant relationship Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling Bailout Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

Source: National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, Gemini Research, and The Lewin Group. Gambling Impact and Behavior Study. Report to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. April 1, 1999. Table 1, p. 16.