Addiction

Although no substance is consumed by the human body, the problem gambler feels the same as if being dependent on a tranquilizer, a drink or a drug. Gambling has the power to influence a person’s mood and the gambler develops a tendency to repeat the experience because he or she is able to reach a certain satisfactory emotional state of mind. But as he or she continues this activity it takes more time and sometimes money to reach the same emotional effect. Addiction appears precisely at this point, when there is an increased craving for gambling. The consequences depend on the gambler’s ability to cope with his own desire; they are often tragic.

10 criteria measure your addiction to gambling. In order to be diagnosed, an individual must have at least 5 (or more) of the following symptoms to be identified as a pathological gambler. But we went ahead and expended this in more categories of “gamblers”. Please see below

Pathological gamblers endorse 5 or more of the 10 criteria.
"Problem Gamblers" endorse 3 or 4 of the 10 criteria.
At "risk gamblers" score 1-2 of the criteria.

Preoccupation. The subject has frequent thoughts about gambling experiences, whether past, future, or fantasy.
Tolerance. As with drug tolerance, the subject requires larger or more frequent wagers to experience the same "rush".
Withdrawal. Restlessness or irritability associated with attempts to cease or reduce gambling.
Escape. The subject gambles to improve mood or escape problems.
Chasing. The subject tries to win back gambling losses with more gambling.
Lying. The subject tries to hide the extent of his or her gambling by lying to family, friends, or therapists.
Loss of control. The person has unsuccessfully attempted to reduce gambling.
Illegal acts. The person has broken the law in order to obtain gambling money or recover gambling losses. This may include acts of theft, embezzlement, fraud, or forgery.
Risked significant relationship. The person gambles despite risking or losing a relationship, job, or other significant opportunity.
Bailout. The person turns to family, friends, or another third party for financial assistance as a result of gambling.

The Three Stages of Gambling Addiction

The Winning Phase - making it a part of your life activities, start to believe that you have a talent to gamble and is seen as a positive experience.
The Losing Stage - number of game plays increases, player begins to chase his losses and denies that gambling is a problem.
The Desperation Phase - anxiety, depression and lack of sleep increases which might lead a gambler to engage in criminal acts.

Recommented Websites:
Gamblersanonymous.org
Responsiblegambling.org
Msgambler.org
Nati.org
Ncpgambling.org
Ccpg.org
800gambler.org