What is Problem gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling that causes harm to the person or those around them, such as financial, relationship or health problems; its clinical form is gambling disorder.
Gambling disorder is recognised in the main psychiatric classifications, DSM-5 and ICD-11, as a behavioural addiction. Population surveys commonly measure risk with the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a nine-question scale that places respondents in categories from no risk to problem gambling.
Researchers increasingly focus on the wider concept of gambling harm, which includes effects on families and communities and can occur at lower levels of play. Different survey methods produce noticeably different prevalence estimates, which is why figures are often disputed.
Support services exist in most regulated markets, such as GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline in Great Britain and the Loket Kansspel helpline in the Netherlands. Charities, health services and helplines generally offer free and confidential support. Treatment options include counselling, peer support groups and specialist clinics.
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