Addicted to gambling

Some form of gambling is available in almost every town today, from the simple slot machines to the up market casinos and of course the online casinos offering poker rooms where high stakes are used and massive bills can be run up on credit cards. For most people gambling is nothing more than fun and is considered harmless entertainment, however, for 4% to 6% of gamblers it becomes an addiction, which not only can have a devastating effect on their own lives but that of their loved ones too.

What is the difference between casual gambling and compulsive gambling?

Casual gambling can be defined as playing a game of chance and people will bet on many different forms, for example dog or horse races, lotteries, casinos, cards rooms and playing bingo.

Compulsive gambling is defined as an illness which begins to take over a person’s life and in the end they will have no control over the amount they lose and most place huge bets and will get seriously into debt.