Gambling is the act of risking something of value, including money and/or property, on an activity that has an uncertain outcome, and for some, their gambling behavior can become a problem that affects their whole family.
Terms Associated with Gambling
- Recreational Gambler: Someone who is able to maintain control over their time and money spent gambling and who does not experience any adverse effects from gambling.
- At Risk Gambler: Someone who may be at risk for becoming a problem gambler:
- A.) They have some adverse consequence(s) from gambling but no symptoms of loss of control; or
- B.) There are some symptoms of loss of control but no adverse consequences: or
- C.) They show some evidence of adverse consequences and loss of control, but not at a level sufficient to meet the criteria for problem gambling; or
- D.) They gamble frequently and/or their spending is significantly above average of their employment status, income, and debt.
- Problem Gambling: Is characterized by difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling, which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or their family.
Types of Gambling
- Bingo
- Card/table games
- Horse betting
- Internet gambling (poker/bingo sites)
- Lottery games, scratch offs
- Other games (betting on pool, bowling)
- Raffle tickets
- Slot machines/VLT’s
- Sports Betting
- Stock market speculation
Appointments
Source:
- The Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance, Division on Addiction
- Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling – University of Maryland School of Medicine. Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (mdproblemgambling.com)
- The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Home – National Council on Problem Gambling | NCPG (ncpgambling.org)