# What are the factors and risks that increase the chance of developing compulsive gambling? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/factors-increasing-risk-compulsive-gambling Language: en Category: mental_health Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.671Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.671Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/factors-increasing-risk-compulsive-gambling Factors that increase the likelihood of developing compulsive gambling (gambling disorder) vary among individuals, as there is no single exact cause; rather, it is a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental circumstances. This disorder often begins in early adolescence for men, while it tends to appear at a later age, between 20 and 40, for women [\[3\]](). An affected individual suffers from an inability to resist the urge to gamble, a condition similar in nature to the brain effects of drug or alcohol addiction [\[3\]](). ## Psychological Factors and Life Stressors Certain psychological conditions and life stressors can increase the risk of compulsive gambling. For instance, stressful situations can exacerbate gambling problems [\[3\]](). Some individuals may turn to gambling as a way to escape problems or feelings of sadness and anxiety [\[3\]](). It is important to note that depression and anxiety may be complications of compulsive gambling, rather than necessarily causal factors [\[3\]](). ## Environmental Influences and Exposure to Gambling Direct exposure to gambling environments is a significant factor; the more an individual is exposed to gambling, the higher the risk that casual practice will turn into a compulsive habit that cannot be stopped [\[3\]](). Therefore, limiting exposure to these environments is a key preventative strategy for people with a predisposition. Early intervention upon noticing any signs of loss of control over time or money invested in gambling may prevent the disorder from worsening into a chronic problem that threatens an individual's financial and family stability [\[3\]](). ## How to Assess Risks and Seek Help Compulsive gambling is diagnosed through a careful psychological and clinical history assessment, as there are validated screening tools that help determine whether a person is suffering from this disorder [\[3\]](). It is crucial to acknowledge the problem, which represents the first and most difficult step in treatment, as those affected often tend to deny or hide their suffering from others [\[3\]](). If you feel that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can start by consulting a primary care physician, who has the capability to perform an initial screening and refer you to a specialized mental health professional [\[1\]](). ## Emergency Risks and the Need for Intervention Risks resulting from lack of treatment include financial, legal, and social problems, and may lead to job loss or the loss of relationships [\[3\]](). Severe psychological stress resulting from repeated losses can also lead to medical conditions such as heart attacks or suicidal ideation [\[3\]](). In the event that thoughts of self-harm occur or there is imminent danger, do not delay—go immediately to the nearest emergency department or call local crisis hotlines [\[1\]](). To learn more about this topic, you can review our detailed article on [Compulsive Gambling: Signs of Addiction, Impacts, and Treatment Options (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Help for Mental Illnesses]() - [Compulsive gambling]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/factors-increasing-risk-compulsive-gambling#answer