Occasional gambler gambles through a determined act. Common motivations are escape or a special occasion. A less common but significant motivation is hope. Professional gambler gambles as part of a studied approach to a game where the element of skill is sufficient to give a player an advantage. The motivation for gambling is economic gain.
Problem gambler exhibits the potential for becoming a pathological gambler.
The gambling behavior then compromises, disrupts or damages personal, family or work. For others, it becomes a way of life. It guides their work, relationships and economics and takes over. This is an illness called compulsive gambling. Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness that may take years to develop.