The reasons are simple . Gambling is a pure form of psychological addiction - there are no physical symptoms. Those who suffer from it don't stagger like the alcoholic. There is no glassy look in the eye.
Problem gamblers are usually hard workers and big achievers.
Compulsive gambling is a progressive impulse disorder in which an individual is chronically and uncontrollably preoccupied with gambling, and the urge to gamble. Gamblers Anonymous describes a compulsive gambler as a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any departement of his or her life. Ther are between five and seven million compulsive gamblers in the United States. The compulsive gambler is a master at deceiving themselves about their addiction, and are quite adept at decieving their families and friends as well. Prevention of pathological gambling is difficult in the face of all the seductive ads promising untold wealth.