sent only 2%-4% of the population of Gamblers Anonymous. This may be a function of the greater stigma attached to female gamblers.

The limited data available suggest that the prevalence of Pathological Gambling may be as high as 1%-3% of the adult population.

Pathological Gambling typically begins in early adolescence in males and later in life in females. Although a few individuals are "hooked" with their very first bet, for most the course is more insidious. There may be years of social gambling followed by an abrupt onset that may be precipitated by greater exposure to gambling or by a stressor. The gambling pattern may be regular or episodic, and the course of the disorder is typically chronic. There is generally a progression in the frequency of gambling, the amount wagered, and the preoccupation with gambling and obtaining money with which to gamble. The urge to gamble and gambling activity generally increase during periods of stress or depression.

Pathological Gambling and Alcohol Dependence are both more common among the parents of individuals with Pathological Gambling than among the general population.

Pathological Gambling must be distinguished from social gambling and professional gambling. Social gambling typically occurs with friends or colleagues and lasts for a limited period of time, with predetermined acceptable losses. In professional gambling, risks are limited and discipline is central. Some individuals can experience problems associated with their gambling (e.g.,

Front Matter (R1-R12)

Executive Summary (1-6)

1: Introduction (7-14)

2: Gambling Concepts and Nomenclature (15-62)

3: Pathological and Problem Gamblers in the United States (63-106)

4: Research on the Origins of Pathological and Problem Gambling (107-155)

5: Social and Economic Effects (156-191)

6: Treatment for Pathological Gamblers (192-236)

7: Organization and Technology of Gambling (237-268)

Appendix A: Gamblers Anonymous Twenty Questions (269-272)

Appendix B: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Criteria for Pathological Gambling (273-282)

Appendix C: Legal-Age Gambling Opportunities and Restrictions (283-312)

Appendix D: Summary of Treatment Literature (313-316)

Appendix E: Gamblers Anonymous Meetings by State (317-318)

Appendix F: Biographical Sketches (319-325)

Index (326-340)