Types of Gambler

• Social (recreational) Gamblers
• Frequent Gamblers (also called "heavy" or "serious" gambling):
• Problem Gamblers:
• Pathological Gamblers (also called Compulsive Gamblers):
• Professional Gambler:
• Action Gambler:
• Escape Gambler:
• Antisocial Gambler:
• Binge Gambler:

I would come under the Pathological gambling type:-

>>This is the only "type" of gambler that has been fully defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a mental disorder.
>>Usually has had at least one financial bailout from a friend, family member, maxed out credit cards or taken out loans from financial institution, unless they are affluent, although some pathological gamblers never have had a bailout.
>>Pathological gamblers share some of the symptoms that are evidenced in problem gamblers (see above list).
>>There may be attempts to justify, rationalize, hide, and/or minimize their behavior to others.
>>Often they will mis-conceptualize the gambling problem as a financial problem.
>>May blame others for stress they are creating.
>>May try to win money needed for basic living expenses.
>>Winning means more time to gambling, wins are usually "re-invested" into more gambling.
>>Usually thinks that they are only hurting themselves, unaware of the impact of their gambling on others.
>>Wager size increases over time (measured usually in years).
>>Uses money to gamble that should otherwise be allocated/invested; for example does not have a independent retirement plan (e.g., IRA) that not associated with their work plan (e.g., 401K). This would not apply to some people.
>>Gambling does not have to be daily in order for it to be pathological.
>>Engages in "creative financing" by obtaining loans and credit.
>>May have burned out relationships due to gambling and borrowing.
>>Unable to easily quit gambling for long periods of time.
>>May promise self or other to quit gambling after a large loss or win, but can't or doesn't for long.
>>May feel urges and cravings to go gamble.
>>Frequent fights with spouse/partner, blames them for the problems.
>>Feels excited when gambling or about to gamble, might have a rush just walking into gambling establishment.
>>Gambling establishments may feel like "coming home" when they enter after an absence.
>>Other gambling patrons or more likely casino staff are thought of as "friends" despite a lack of connection outside of the gambling venue, although this is not very common.
>>The solution to financial problems and stress created by gambling is to gamble more in order to finally hit a big win, or at least recover losses. Thus the problem also is seen as the solution, a characteristic of addiction.
>>A Pathological gambler meets the criteria for the disorder as listed in the as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatry, DSM-IV™ (a copy is provided in the assessment section).
>>I have had many severely disordered gamblers that would adamantly state that they are not compulsive or pathological.

More info about the other types of gamblers can be found at http://www.stopgamblingnow.com/types_of_gamblers.htm