Pathological gambling: a review of the literature

Most national surveys into gambling have concluded that there are more gamblers than non-gamblers. Although most gamblers can control their gambling behaviour, a small minority can suffer from pathological gambling. The acquisition, development and maintenance of pathological gambling is an area that is continually disputed and was only recognized as a bona fide mental disorder in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-III, American Psychiatric Association 1980). The exact causes and reasons for continuing gambling behaviour seem to be dependent upon the individual, but there does seem to be some general underlying factors and reoccurring themes. This paper reviews the prevalence and history of pathological gambling and traces the phases of the pathological gambler's career. It is concluded that explanations of gambling behaviour (and particularly excessive gambling) are best served by an integrated biopsychosocial model, which stresses the individuality and idiosyncratic nature of the development of gambling problems.