What is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction is classed as a mental health condition. It has similarities to other addictions (such as a chemical drug addiction) and other impulse-control disorders (such as pyromania or kleptomania).

In all of these cases, the person with the addiction cannot stop their behavior even when they realize it is hurting themselves or their loved ones. It is important to remember that not everyone suffering from gambling addiction will experience the same symptoms or level of intensity. A few of the most common types of gambling addiction are as follows.
Compulsive Gambling

When someone is simply unable to control their desire to gamble.

A compulsive gambler will continue to play whether they win or lose, regardless of the consequences
They will also look for opportunities to make bets and wagers even when they already know they cannot afford to lose
This is also known as pathological gambling

Binge Gambling

When someone exhibits compulsive gambling symptoms, but only at certain times or during certain periods.

A binge gambler may appear to be in control of their problem most of the time
They might go weeks or months without exhibiting any signs of having a gambling addiction
Their compulsive gambling behaviors will reveal themselves when they start betting, even if it's only rarely

Problem Gambling

When someone is not addicted to the point of compulsion, but their habits are not entirely under their control.

A problem gambler will have some sort of gambling behavior which is disturbing their normal life
They might find themselves chasing losses or lying to loved ones about their betting habits
They come to realize that they cannot stop themselves from gambling more and more often

What are the Signs of Gambling Addiction in Adults?

The latest diagnosis criteria (2018) for compulsive gambling disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, is based on at least four of the following signs being present in someone within the past year. These symptoms shouldn't be considered if they are the result of a separate mental health condition.

Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
Being restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
Having repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling
Frequently thinking about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
Often gambling when feeling distressed such as when depressed, guilty, anxious, or helpless
After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (referred to as 'chasing your losses')
Lying to conceal gambling activity or losses/damages caused by gambling
Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job or educational/career opportunity because of gambling
Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling

Source https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder

Please remember that simply looking at this list will not be enough to determine whether you have a gambling addiction. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, you should seek out a mental health professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist. It is important that a professional is consulted in order to accurately diagnose and rule out other mental health conditions that may be the cause of these behaviors. This is because individuals with gambling addictions tend to have higher rates of other disorders such as substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, a trained physician must do a complete evaluation to check that another medical condition is not the cause of these behaviors.