DEFINITIONS
GAMBLING
"Gambling" is wagering money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the hope of winning something of even greater value. In our work, the terms "gaming" and "gambling" are often used interchangeably, although many outside entities use the term "gambling" to avoid confusion with video gaming.
RESPONSIBLE GAMING
Responsible Gaming (or safer play) means playing recreationally and staying in bounds in terms of time and money spent gaming. It’s playing for entertainment, and not interfering with other areas of life.
RISKY GAMBLING
Risky gambling is gaming behavior that puts a person at greater risk for a problem (e.g., spending more money or time than intended, chasing losses, etc.)
PROBLEM GAMBLING
Problem gambling is gambling behavior that negatively affects a person’s life – whether it be financially, socially, educationally, professionally. “Problem gambling” is also be referred to as gambling disorder and is sometimes still referred to as “compulsive” or “pathological” gambling.
About 2 percent of the general population meet the criteria for problem gambling.
BRAIN CONNECTIONS

Used with permission from BrainConnections.ca; Brain Connections has been funded by the Gambling Research Exchange of Ontario (GREO).
This short video is a cartoon featuring a brain character going through the phases of a gambling problem. Throughout the video, you will learn how the brain gets hooked on gambling and how its functioning can be hijacked. You will also learn about how the brain can change and balance can be restored if the gambling stops.
CAN GAMBLING BE AN ADDICTION?
How GAMBLING CAN BECOME AN ADDICTION
Dr. Howard Shaffer, Distinguished Faculty Cambridge Health Alliance / Division on Addiction with Harvard Medical School (DraftKings Responsible Gaming Program partners)
IS GAMBLING ADDICTION GENETIC?
Dr. Lori Rugle, Responsible Gambling Specialist with the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries; Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland / CNBC Prime
For more information, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling's page on Gambling Disorder screening tools.
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