What are the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction?

The American Psychological Association reports ten diagnostic criteria, for determining the extent of gambling addiction. These criteria are:

Preoccupation - Preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble.)

Tolerance - Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.

Withdrawal - is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.

Escape - Gambles as a way of escaping from problem or relieving dysphoric mood (e.g., feeling of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression)

Chasing - After losing money gambling, often returns another day in order to even ("chase one's losses") Chasing is a classical behavior pattern characterizing pathological gambling.

Lying - Lies to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.

Illegal acts - Has committed illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement) in order to finance gambling.

Risk significant relationship - Has Jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.

Bailout - Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gabling

Loss of Control - Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling.