ABSTRACT
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn; DSMIV) de®nes pathological gambling (PG) as an impulse control disorder that involves persistent and recurrent gambling that is disruptive to one's personal, family or vocational life (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). To merit a diagnosis of PG, an individual must endorse at least 5 out of the 10 following diagnostic criteria: (1) preoccupation with gambling; (2) need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to maintain excitement; (3) repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce gambling; (4) restlessness and/or irritability when attempting to reduce or stop gambling; (5) gambling as a way to escape unpleasant emotions; (6) chasing loses; (7) lying to others to hide the extent of gambling; (8) committing illegal acts to ®nance gambling or repay debts; (9) placing a relationship, job, or educational or other opportunity in jeopardy by gambling; and (10) seeking assistance from others to relieve a dire ®nancial situation caused by gambling.
