“Compulsive” Gambling: The Problem of Definition

Abstract

A model depicting 16 varieties of healthy and pathological gambling is presented. The 16 varieties are formed by combinations of 4 variables—money (won or lost), time devoted to gambling (a lot or a little), other people (negatively affected or not affected), and the gambler's feelings (feels good or bad about his gambling). The model has a logical base and is multifaceted. Its purpose is to force the serious student of gambling to consider all 16 forms, not just the pathological forms. Certain philosophical, ethical, social, and scientific questions arise.