Action Gambling

Gambling as an extension of an individual's esteem and the desire to be a "big shot" or "high roller". The popular forms of this type of gambling are games where the gambler plays against or with other players. Examples of these types of gambling are poker, pit games (blackjack, roulette, craps, etc.), sports betting, golf, or the racetrack. These types of gamblers also can gamble to escape problems.  More Information.

Antisocial Gambler

Defined by Robert Custer as the type of gambler who engages in rip-offs and scams. Gambling is a method to steal money, may use loaded dice, marked cards, and fixed sports events or horse races. They are different from the gambler who commits a crime to pay gambling debts.

Compulsive Gambling

A term used by Gamblers Anonymous to define a member that has a desire to stop gambling. "Compulsive gambling is an illness, progressive in nature, which can never be cured, but can be arrested." Also defined as an impulse control disorder in which the subject is driven by an overwhelming, uncontrollable urge to gamble. The impulse is progressive and becomes more frequent. It consumes more of the individual's time, energy, and money. It can destroy everything that is meaningful in the person's life.

Escape Gambling

Gambling to escape problems in personal or business life. This type of gambler usually plays against machines and avoids human contact. The most popular forms of escape gambling are slot machines and video poker. The gambling tends to have an emotional "numbing" effect on the individual. Gambling episodes are usually very long in duration and the behavior has a consistent repetitive quality to it. It is an attempt to cope with painful emotions but it leaves the gambler more depressed afterwards. 
More Information.

Gambling

To play a game of chance for stakes or money. To bet on the outcome of a game or contest. To take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage.

Impulse Control Disorder

Recurrent loss of control over impulses; pattern of acting before thinking; difficulty organizing and waiting; failure to resist urges; often is neurologically caused.

Pathological Gambling

A progressive disorder characterized by a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling and with obtaining money with which to gamble; irrational thinking; and a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences. (R. Rosenthal, MD) "Pathological Gambling Disorder" is defined as a mental disorder in the classification group of Impulse Control Disorders (along with kleptomania and pyromania). It is characterized by a persistent, recurrent, and uncontrollable impulse to participate in gambling activities. The terms pathological gambling and compulsive gambling are similar in definition.

Problem Gambling

Participation in any form of gambling to the extent that it creates any negative consequences to the gambler, their family, place of employment, or community. This includes patterns of gambling and related behaviors (usually financial issues) that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, educational and/or vocational interests.

Process Addictions

Gambling, Shopping, Work, Exercise, Sex

Professional Gambler

Professional gamblers will not frequently lose control when placing bets, rather gambling is methodical and planned (e.g., a professional horse gambler may not bet on every race). Gambling is their primary source of income. It is estimated that there are fewer than 3,000 professional gamblers in the US and Canada and only 50 professional gamblers in the US who earn over $100,000 dollars annually by gambling.

Social Gambling

Usually occurs with friends, family, or colleagues. The gambling episode lasts for a limited period of time. If they set an acceptable dollar loss in advance they stick to it. Usually the gambling is for entertainment. The person does not lose control of their behavior. Social gambling can occur on a regular basis, but there are no negative consequences for the person in terms of lost time or lost finances. Social gambling can escalate to serious social gambling or problem gambling.

Social Gambling (Serious)

For the serious social gambler, gambling is a very important part of their lives and would be greatly missed if it were not possible to engage in. There may be an intense focus on a single form of gambling (e.g., horse racing, cards). There is little or no loss of control or negative consequences from the gambling, but usually there is extensive preoccupation. (Adapted from Custer and Milt, 1985.)