Chemical Dependency Counselor Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pathological gambling, also known as compulsive gambling, has been shown through various studies and surveys to predominantly affect men more than women. Research indicates that men are generally more likely to take risks, engage in high-stakes gambling, and exhibit signs of gambling addiction. This trend is consistent across different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. Men tend to seek out gambling as a form of entertainment and may develop compulsive behaviors over time that can lead to significant personal, financial, and social consequences.

In contrast, while young adults, women, and couples may also experience gambling issues, the prevalence rates among these groups are typically lower. Women's gambling behaviors may often differ in nature and motivation compared to those of men, leading to fewer cases of diagnosed pathological gambling. Couples may experience issues related to gambling, but this tends to stem from one partner's gambling behavior rather than being a primary demographic for gambling problems. Thus, men are identified as the group most affected by pathological gambling according to the data from surveys.