Compulsive, or pathological gambling is described “as a psychological disorder characterized by a persistent inability to resist the impulse to gamble. The disorder is progressive and typically results in difficulties in one’s personal, social, and work life; it may lead to bankruptcy or criminal activity to obtain money.”
Pathological gambling is a medical problem. Research suggests that pathological gambling has a neurobiological basis.
Gambling and problems with gambling have been documented as part of human behavior for millennia. A new form of gambling, Internet gambling, has recently emerged. basis.
Leo Sher, M.D.