Pathological gambling, a pattern of repeated gambling and preoccupation with gambling, often begins in adolescence in males, and somewhat later in females. Individuals with this disorder often experience a progression in their gambling, becoming increasingly preoccupied with gambling, increasing the amounts wagered, and often continuing to gamble despite attempts to stop or control the behavior.
Further Reading
Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood & Adolescence. Gale Research, 1998.
