Definitions of gambling behaviour

The International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD-11) terminology used in this guideline describes ‘hazardous gambling’ and ‘gambling disorder’.

Hazardous gambling describes a behavioural pattern with markers of escalation that increase the risk of physical or mental harm to the individual or others around them.

In gambling disorder, the person or others close to them experience harm as a consequence of the behaviour; someone with this diagnosisBrowne, 2016Dowling, 2014The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), 2017:

• has impaired control (markers of escalation are present)
• gives greater priority to gambling than other areas of life
• continues or escalates their gambling despite harms.

Markers of escalation in gambling include increasing frequency of gambling, a broader range of venues, more time spent, neglect of other areas of life, and risky behaviours associated with gamblingWorld Health Organization (WHO). Hazardous gambling and gambling disorder share these markers of a person’s strong urge to gamble, but harm is the distinguishing feature in gambling disorder. Screening and assessment aims to identify people with either diagnosis. The impact of screening on health outcomes is still the subject of researchBlank, 2021.