Pathological gambling is defined in DSM-III-R as a 'chronic and progressive failure to resist impulses to gamble, and gambling behavior that compromises, disrupts, or damages personal, family or vocational pursuits.' The discussion of the etiology and development of the disorder focuses on hereditary vulnerability, socialization, life stressors, personality styles, and the addictive cycle. The assessment of the disorder covers gambling history, biophysical factors, personality dimensions, significant life events, and the addictive cycle. A discussion of the treatment of the pathological gambler addresses peer counseling and self-help groups, group and individual psychotherapy, values clarification, pharmacological treatment, and special treatment issues. Overall, the chapter concludes that the problem of pathological gambling is growing. Specialized treatment programs have many advantages, although they are few in number. They are generally able to provide for the networking of the gambler with community and peer group resources. 45 references.