Gambling addiction is a serious mental health problem characterized by a loss of control over gambling, a preoccupation with gambling, irrational thinking related to gambling, and a persistence of the gambling behaviour despite the behaviour negatively affecting day to day functioning. While serious, gambling addiction is an obstacle which can be overcome with the right help from professionals.
It is important to identify signs of problem gambling early in order to avoid the development of an addiction. These signs may include continuously increasing the amount of money used to gamble, gambling alone, hiding the extent of the habit, and repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling.