Gambling Addiction

Published: February 2026 | Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 8 min

What Is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction, clinically known as gambling disorder, is a behavioral addiction characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that causes significant distress or impairment. It is the only non-substance-related addiction recognized in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), classified alongside substance use disorders due to the similar neurological mechanisms involved.

Gambling in New Jersey

New Jersey residents face heightened exposure to gambling. The state legalized online gambling in 2013 and sports betting in 2018, joining Atlantic City's long-established casino industry. The combination of online platforms, mobile apps, and physical casinos makes New Jersey one of the most gambling-accessible states in the country.

Signs and Symptoms

Behavioral Indicators

• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve excitement
• Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut back or stop gambling
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control or stop gambling
• Preoccupation with gambling — planning the next session or reliving past wins
• Gambling when feeling distressed, anxious, or depressed
• "Chasing" losses by returning to gamble after losing money

Consequences

• Lying to family members or others to conceal the extent of gambling
• Jeopardizing significant relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities
• Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or engaging in illegal activity to fund gambling

The Neuroscience of Gambling Addiction

Dopamine and the Reward System

Brain imaging studies show that gambling wins activate the mesolimbic dopamine system — the same reward pathway triggered by drugs of abuse. Near-misses in gambling (almost winning) activate this system even more strongly than actual wins in some individuals, creating powerful reinforcement for continued play.

Cognitive Distortions

Gambling addiction involves characteristic thinking errors: the "gambler's fallacy" (believing past outcomes influence future results), illusions of control (believing skill affects random outcomes), and selective memory (remembering wins while minimizing losses).

Risk Factors

• Early exposure: Beginning to gamble during adolescence significantly increases lifetime risk
• Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and personality disorders increase vulnerability
• Substance use: Approximately 73% of people diagnosed with gambling disorder also have an alcohol use disorder
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop gambling disorder, though rates among women are increasing
• Family history: Genetic factors account for an estimated 50% of the risk

Financial and Personal Consequences

Financial Devastation

The average person seeking treatment for gambling addiction has accumulated $40,000-$70,000 in debt. Financial consequences often include bankruptcy, home foreclosure, depleted retirement savings, and destroyed credit.

Relationship Impact

Gambling addiction erodes trust and stability within families. Divorce rates among problem gamblers are significantly higher than the general population, and children of problem gamblers face increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems.

Legal Issues

Approximately 20% of individuals with gambling disorder report engaging in illegal activities to fund their gambling, including fraud, embezzlement, and theft.

Treatment Options

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT addresses the cognitive distortions that maintain gambling behavior, develops healthy coping alternatives, and builds relapse prevention skills. It is the most extensively researched and effective psychological treatment for gambling disorder.

Financial Counseling

Addressing the financial damage caused by gambling is essential for recovery. Financial counseling helps individuals develop repayment plans, rebuild credit, and establish healthy money management practices.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

IOP provides structured treatment multiple days per week and is ideal for individuals who need more support than weekly therapy but do not require residential care. Programs typically include individual therapy, group sessions, and skills workshops.

Medication

Naltrexone and nalmefene have shown effectiveness in reducing gambling urges by blocking opioid receptors involved in the reward pathway. Antidepressants may also be prescribed for co-occurring mood disorders.

Peer Support

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) provides a 12-step framework for recovery with peer accountability and support. Research suggests that combining professional treatment with GA attendance improves outcomes.

FAQ

Is gambling addiction a mental illness? Yes. Gambling disorder is recognized as a diagnosable mental health condition in the DSM-5. It involves changes in brain function similar to substance use disorders and requires professional treatment for recovery.

Can you recover from gambling addiction? Absolutely. Many individuals achieve lasting recovery through professional treatment, peer support, and ongoing relapse prevention strategies. Treatment success rates are comparable to those for substance use disorders.

Is online gambling more addictive than casino gambling? Online gambling carries unique risks due to 24/7 accessibility, the ability to gamble in private, the speed of play, and integrated credit systems. These factors can accelerate the progression of gambling problems.

How does New Jersey address gambling addiction? New Jersey operates the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and funds gambling treatment services. The state's 1-800-GAMBLER helpline provides free, confidential support.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Clark, L., et al. (2019). Gambling near-misses enhance motivation to gamble and recruit win-related brain circuitry. Neuron, 61(3), 481-490.
• Petry, N. M. (2005). Pathological Gambling: Etiology, Comorbidity, and Treatment. American Psychological Association.

Written by the Valley Spring Recovery Center Editorial Team

Ready to take the first step toward recovery? Contact Valley Spring Recovery Center today at (201) 781-8812 or reach out to our admissions team for a confidential consultation. We are here to help you find your path to healing.