Pathological gambling behaviour is listed under the accepted international mental disorder classification systems (ICD-11 and DSM-5) and recognised as a disease that requires treatment. It manifests in the form of persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behaviour, which continues despite negative social concomitants. The symptoms of pathological gambling behaviour include permanent loss of control, unsuccessful attempts to limit or permanently stop gaming, and withdrawal symptoms. Diverging from this, the so-called gambling disorder is defined as conspicuous gambling behaviour with no significant pathology.
According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), pathological gambling behaviour is indicated if a person exhibits at least four of the following criteria within a period of at least twelve months:
There are no specific, clearly definable causes of gambling disorder and pathological gambling behaviour. However, various risk factors exist. Should an unfavourable combination of several of these risk factors arise, an individual gambling-related problem may develop.
Whether a person is at increased risk of developing gambling disorder or pathological gambling behaviour is influenced by several individual factors, for example:
These symptoms can, but do not necessarily, lead to the development of gambling disorder or pathological gambling behaviour.