Compulsive gambling.

DEFINITION: Gambling is an activity that involves a degree of risk and an expenditure of money or goods with the hope of an increased return but with the possibility of a total loss. Some people gamble for pleasure and in a nonaddictive fashion, and they suffer no ill effects from gaming activities. Others have a problem with gambling, which is manifested by their increasing desire to gamble, regardless of whether their gambling creates hardships in their lives or the lives of their loved ones. These hardships can include money and debt problems, difficulties at work or concentrating on tasks, relationship problems, or other negative consequences.