You may think you know a lot about gambling, and perhaps you do. You played poker with your middle school friends while waiting on the school bus and your trip to Las Vegas provided considerable insight into the world of gambling. You may not, however, know a whole lot about gambling addiction.

What Is Gambling Addiction?

The Minnesota Department of Human Services estimates that one percent, or approximately two million Americans, struggle with gambling addiction. Pathological gambling is defined as “the inability to resist impulses to gamble, leading to severe personal or social consequences.” In other words, a gambling addiction is very similar to any other addiction, be it caffeine, drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. A pathological gambler is so addicted that he can’t break the cycle of his gambling.

Just a Game?

There are several aspects of gambling addiction discussed in the following articles. The first item discussed is different types of gambling and the win/loss statistics of different types of gambling. These statistics may point to why certain games are more addictive than others.

Internal and External Conflicts

Gambling addiction is complicated. These articles focus on the psychological and individual nature of gambling addiction, as well as its socioeconomic and political nature, how it relates to the law and who among the American population is most likely to become a gambling addict.

Sound Familiar?

Perhaps you or someone you know may be addicted to gambling. The following articles explain what the symptoms are and where you should go to get help. Know yourself when addressing these symptoms. Addictive tendencies can run in families, so be aware of your family history.