Chasing losses

Recovery language

Definition

Betting more, or betting faster, specifically to win back money already lost. It is one of the listed diagnostic features of gambling disorder and is often the moment casual gambling turns into harm, because the goal stops being entertainment and becomes recovery of the money.

Preferred phrasing

"chasing losses" is descriptive, not stigmatizing — it is safe to use.

Source

https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

Cite this

Betttr. "Chasing losses." The Gambling Recovery Glossary. https://betttr.net/glossary/chasing-losses/ (accessed 2026-09-20).

Last updated: 2026-09-20.

Corrections: support@betttr.net