Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling Inc.

What is Compulsive Gambling?

Compulsive gambling can be a progressive disorder causing a psychologically uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble. Individuals eventually lose the ability to control the impulse to gamble. This results in excessive gambling which can compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or employment pursuits. It is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as an Impulse Control Disorder.

Gambling is any betting or wagering for oneself or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends on "skill or chance".