Pathological gambling is the inability, over an extended period of time, to resist impulses to gamble. It is often characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling and a general loss of control. Many people who gamble frequently are simply people who enjoy gambling as entertainment. Often this sort of problem resolves itself without professional intervention.
Pathology is determined by both severity and frequency of the problem.
Dr. Robert Custer has identified three phases to pathological gambling. These phases do not represent an inevitable progression. Most people experiencing a big win do not become pathological gamblers, and some who begin to chase their losses stop before reaching the desperation phase. However, most of those seeking treatment have passed through the adventurous and losing phases and have reached desperation. In addition, Gamblers Anonymous has assembled a list of 20 questions which can help individuals determine if they might have a gambling problem.