Problem gambling, also known as a gambling disorder, is an addiction that can be difficult to detect - it doesn't have the physical effects that other addictions, such as drug or alcohol addiction, have.
Studies have shown that most problem gamblers manage to hide their addiction from family, friends and work colleagues, so you may not know that your friend has a gambling problem unless they tell you. On the other hand, these vulnerable people are often reluctant to face up to their addiction, so when they lose, they get upset and try to get everything back, most often using money they can't afford to spend.
This situation usually leads to higher stress levels, anxiety, depression, financial losses, debts, relationship breakdowns, etc. But there is good news: once detected, gambling sickness can be successfully treated.