Pathological Gambler Law and Legal Definition
Pathological Gambler is a gambler who is under a severe urge to gamble, in spite of harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop gambling. A person who is diagnosed as a pathological gambler is considered to be having an impulse control disorder. There are various recovery movements and programs to protect a pathological gambler.
The following is an example of a state statute (Michigan) defining the term 'pathological gambler':
According to MCLS § 432.252, "Pathological Gambler" under Compulsive Gaming Prevention Act, means an individual with a severe, persistent, and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior that disrupts personal, family, or vocational pursuits.
