Pathological gambling is often a concealed disease since it is not evident by simply looking at a person. It cannot be found by a breath test or a blood test, nor does it leave needle marks.

Pathological gamblers put out of sight their lottery tickets, sports picks, etc. from their family members, friends and workmates. Gambling can means the escaping from other problems in a marriage or at work, so it may go unnoticed as a significant problem itself.

The six types of gamblers
 Professional gamblers
Professional gamblers make their living by gambling and therefore regard it as a profession. They are experienced in the games they decide to play and are able to control both the quantity of money and time spent gambling. So, professional gamblers are not addicted to gambling. They tolerantly wait for the best bet and then try to win as much as they can. 

 Anti-social or personality gamblers
Contrary to professional gamblers, antisocial or personality gamblers consider gambling as a way to get money by illegal means. They are very likely to be involved in fixing horse or dog races, or playing with loaded dice or marked cards. They may effort to use an obsessive gambling diagnosis as a legal defense. 

 Casual social gamblers
Casual social gamblers risk for recreation, sociability and amusement. For them, gambling may be a diversion or a form of relaxation. Gambling does not interfere with family, social or vocational obligations. Samples of such betting are the occasional poker game, Super Bowl bets, a yearly trip to Las Vegas and casual involvement in the lottery. 

 Serious social gamblers
On the contrary, serious social gamblers spend more of their time in gambling. In fact, gambling is a major resource of relaxation and entertainment, yet these individuals put gambling second in significance to family and vocation. This type of gambler could be compared to a “golf nut”, whose resource of rest comes from playing golf. Nevertheless, serious social gamblers uphold control over their gambling activities. 

 Relief and escape gamblers
Relief and escape gamblers risk in order to find release from feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, dullness or loneliness. With the help of gambling they try to escape from crisis or difficulties. Gambling provides an analgesic effect rather than a euphoric response. Relief and escape gamblers are not compulsive gamblers. They are equal to relief and escape drinkers. 

 Compulsive gamblers
Compulsive gamblers have lost control over their gambling. For these people gambling is the most important thing in their lives. Compulsive gambling is a progressive addiction that hurts every part of the gambler’s life. As they carry on to gamble, their families, friends and employers are negatively affected. Besides compulsive gamblers may engage person in such activities ¬ as stealing, lying or squandering which go against their moral principles. Compulsive gamblers cannot stop gambling on their own, regardless of how much they want to or how hard they try.