Gambling can cause trouble in people’s lives, but not all gambling problems are the same. Problem gambling means someone’s gambling is starting to cause stress, money issues, or relationship problems — but it might not have gotten to the point of addiction yet.

On the other hand, gambling disorder is a serious addiction that doctors diagnose when gambling causes big problems and starts to take over a person’s daily life. Knowing what constitutes problem gambling vs gambling disorder can help families recognize when gambling is just a warning sign and when it’s time to get professional help.

What Is Gambling Disorder?

Gambling disorder happens when someone keeps gambling in a way that causes serious damage in their life — like trouble with money, family, school, or work. It can also make a person feel upset, anxious, or stressed about gambling.

A person may be diagnosed with a gambling disorder if, over the past year, they show four or more of the following signs:¹

1. Needing to bet more and more money to get the same excitement. 
2. Feeling restless or cranky when trying to stop or cut back. 
3. Trying many times to control or stop gambling but failing. For example, a person might decide to only spend $200 at a casino but then go back to get more money after losing it. Or they might say, “Today I won’t gamble,” but end up betting on something before the day ends.
4. Thinking about gambling a lot — remembering past wins or losses, planning the next bet, or figuring out ways to get money to gamble. 
5. After losing money, going back to try to win it back (“chasing losses”), sometimes making bigger and riskier bets to do so. 
6. Lying to family or friends to hide gambling, which can include hiding illegal actions like stealing or fraud to get money.
7. Gambling causes real problems, like losing relationships, jobs, or chances at school. Families might notice secrets or that their loved one can’t pay bills. Students might skip classes or drop out. At work, gambling can cause missed days, poor work, or even theft.
8. Relying on others to borrow money or taking things to sell because of money lost gambling.

Other Important Details About Gambling Disorder

• Sometimes, gambling problems come and go, with breaks in between (AKA “episodic”). Other times, they last for years without stopping (“persistent”). 
• If a person used to have gambling problems but hasn’t shown signs for several months, they are in early remission. 
• If they’ve been free of symptoms for a year or more, that’s called sustained remission.
• It’s important to note that a gambling disorder isn’t caused by other mental health conditions (like mania from bipolar disorder).

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is a broader term. It means any gambling that causes trouble but doesn’t meet the full criteria for gambling disorder. You can think of problem gambling as a warning sign — a chance to step in before things get worse.

Example of Problem Gambling: Sarah’s Story

Sarah is a senior in college who likes to play online poker with her friends sometimes. At first, it’s just for fun. But after a few months, she starts spending more time and money on poker. She often plays late at night and sometimes misses class the next day, though she still has good grades.

Sarah feels anxious and restless when she tries to stop playing, but she hasn’t told anyone. She hasn’t lost important relationships or jobs, and she still pays her bills on time.

Sarah’s gambling is causing some problems, but she might not have gambling disorder yet. This is an example of problem gambling — behavior that is causing harm but is at an earlier or less severe stage than gambling disorder.

Example of Gambling Disorder: Juan’s Story

Juan used to enjoy betting on sports casually. But over time, his gambling took over his life. He started betting larger amounts to get the same thrill. When he tried to stop, he felt irritable and couldn’t focus. He spent hours thinking about gambling, planning his next bets, and worrying about money.

Juan began lying to his family about how much he was losing. He even took money from friends to keep gambling. His grades dropped, and he stopped attending classes. He lost a close relationship because of his secret gambling and the stress it caused.

Juan meets many of the signs of gambling disorder — a serious addiction to gambling that is causing significant problems in his life.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Recognizing whether someone is struggling with problem gambling or gambling disorder helps families know how to respond. Early signs of problem gambling mean it’s time to have open talks and seek support before the problem worsens. Gambling disorder usually requires professional treatment and strong support from loved ones.

If you or someone you care about is showing these signs, don’t wait to ask for help. Recovery is possible!

Helpful Resources: 

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER 
• National Council on Problem Gambling
• Gambler’s Anonymous (for loved ones) or Gam-Anon (for families)