Problem Gambling is the term used to describe gambling behavior, which causes disruption in any important life function, whether economic, psychological, physical, social or vocational.

This term is generally accepted to include, but is not limited to "Pathological", a.k.a., "Compulsive" gambling. Therefore, Compulsive Gambling, as used herein, is considered to be a subset of problem gambling, wherein the problems are generally very serious.

Compulsive Gambling is a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling, "chasing" losses, and loss of control by continuing negative gambling behavior, regardless of the disruption and serious consequences of such behavior.

Problem gambling is a serious, worldwide issue. Citing examples from the USA, a government sponsored research study was published in 1999. The study was done by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, in collaboration with three other research groups, on behalf of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. The research group reported the following.

"Based upon criteria developed by the American Psychiatric Association, we estimate that about 2.5 million adults are pathological gamblers and another 3 million adults should be considered problem gamblers."

"Extending these criteria more broadly, 15 million (American) adults are at risk for problem gambling, and about 148 million are low-risk gamblers (about 129 million adults have never gambled)."

"Pathological and problem gamblers are more likely than other gamblers or non-gamblers to have been on welfare, declared bankruptcy, and to have been arrested or incarcerated."

"Pathological and problem gamblers in the United States cost society approximately $5 billion per year and an additional $40 billion in lifetime costs for productivity reductions, social services, and creditor losses. However, these calculations are inadequate to capture the intra-familial costs of divorce and family disruption associated with problem and pathological gambling."