Compulsive gambling is a progressive behavior disorder characterized by a psychologically uncontrollable urge to gamble. It was first classified in 1980 as a "disorder of impulse control" by the American Psychiatric Association. Compulsive gambling is a diagnosable and treatable illness. The Michigan Lottery contributes $1 million each year to help fund education and treatment programs on compulsive gambling.

Signs of Problem Gambling:

• Increasing the frequency and the amount of money gambled
• Spending an excessive amount of time gambling at the expense of job or family time
• Being preoccupied with gambling or with obtaining money with which to gamble
• Gambling creates a special and intense pleasure, an aroused sense of being "in action"
• Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences such as large losses, or work or family problems caused by gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble, taking out secret loans, or maximizing credit card 
• Bragging about wins but not talking about losses
• Frequent mood swings, higher when winning, lower when losing
• Gambling for longer periods of time or more money than originally planned
• Secretive behavior such as hiding betting slips or receipts; having mail, bills, etc., sent to work, a P.O. box or other address

More information is available by contacting the Michigan Department of Community Health Problem Gambling website or National Council on Problem Gambling, Inc.