Gambling disorder (DSM-5)

Regulators, programs and instruments

Definition

The clinical diagnosis for persistent, problematic gambling causing significant impairment — the only behavioral addiction in the DSM-5, moved there from the "impulse-control disorders" chapter in 2013 because the evidence matched substance addiction. Diagnosis requires four or more of nine criteria within 12 months, including chasing losses, needing larger bets for the same effect, lying about gambling, and relying on others for money.

Preferred phrasing

"gambling disorder" or "a person with a gambling disorder." Never "compulsive gambler," "pathological gambler," or "gambling addict."

Source

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

Cite this

Betttr. "Gambling disorder (DSM-5)." The Gambling Recovery Glossary. https://betttr.net/glossary/gambling-disorder/ (accessed 2026-09-20).

Last updated: 2026-09-20.

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