What Is Someone Addicted To Gambling Called?

There is a clinical term for gambling addiction, but no official one for a person who is addicted. So what should you call this person?

If you need to refer to someone with this issue, the least stigmatizing language is “person with a gambling addiction.” Another acceptable option is “person with a gambling problem.” Avoid using labels that may carry stigma.

If you know someone affected by what clinicians call “gambling disorder,” ask what phrasing the person prefers. Some are comfortable with “addiction”; others aren’t. What matters is that they seek help and support while quitting.

When I was attempting to play poker for supplemental income and developed an unhealthy relationship with the game, I was fine with both “addiction” and “problem.”

Using the “person with a…” language separates the person from the behavior, avoiding labels that carry shame or imply a lasting personality flaw. This was important to me when I was in the throes of poker.

Problematic Terms for Addiction to Gambling

Some people with a gambling addiction are comfortable with blunter and potentially harsher terms. Not everyone experiences feelings such as denial or shame in the same way.

When I had a problem with poker, I was my own worst critic. I used stigmatizing language in my head, but I would not have appreciated someone else describing me with the following gambling addiction terminology:

• Gambling Addict (most common term)
• Problem Gambler (common term)
• Compulsive Gambler (older term)
• Pathological Gambler (older term)
• Recovering Gambler (if the person quit gambling)

For some, these terms can be liberating and a signal for getting help. However, if you haven’t been affected, it’s better to avoid using them when referring to someone else.

What is Gambling Disorder?

The term “disordered gambler” (not a clinical term) can refer to someone with “gambling disorder,” which is what the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 uses to refer to gambling addiction. 

Personally, I believe that the everyday language of “gambling addiction” is best. For some people, “disorder” is controversial because it makes an addiction sound less dangerous. It might also contribute to shifting responsibility away from the addictive product (i.e., casino games).

I have never met someone who gambles who describes their own behavior as “disordered,” which underscores how it’s a clinical framing.

‘Degenerate Gambler’ Should Be Avoided

The most controversial term used to call someone addicted to gambling is “degenerate gambler.” Sometimes this is shortened to simply “degen.”

Not all people who have experienced problem gambling hate this term. 

“I don’t know many people who care about the term degenerate,” said Jamie Salsburg, who shares his experience with gambling addiction on AfterGambling.com. “We often call ourselves that and laugh.”

As a former poker player, I didn’t mind the term, but context and who used it mattered. “Degenerate” can be stigmatizing, but there’s nuance.

Salsburg said concern about the word “degenerate” can be overstated by the treatment sector. I think he’s hitting on something true here.

Nonetheless, avoid using “degenerate” or “degen” to describe someone with a gambling addiction, regardless of context. These terms remain widely regarded as callous and stigmatizing. Choose respectful language even if some may use the term themselves.

Similar to “degenerate” is “junkie,” which is less common but should also be avoided. It can be hurtful to those with addiction.

Is ‘Gambleholic’ a Word Used?

Do not use the term “gambleholic.” It is not recognized in professional, recovery, or support settings, and is not the preferred language.

For people with an addiction to alcohol, the word “alcoholic” could be stigmatizing, but it is widely used in mutual-aid contexts, such as AA. “Alcoholic” is not typically used by clinicians.

“Gambleholic” is a play on the word “alcoholic,” but it’s very uncommon to see it in everyday language, unlike the latter. Gamblers Anonymous doesn’t use this word.

What to Say Instead of ‘Gambling Addict’?

The best choice is typically “person with a gambling addiction” instead of “gambling addict.” The reasons:

• Separates the person from the behavior
• Doesn’t suggest that addiction defines them
• Implies that they can recover from gambling

Bottom Line: Words for Someone Addicted to Gambling

Gambling addiction can affect anyone. Empathy and understanding should guide the language you use to call someone with a problem. 

If you’ve been harmed by a person with a gambling addiction, it is understandable to feel anger. It’s valid to want to use harsh language to describe this individual. What’s most important is that the person with the addiction seeks help—along with the people the gambler harmed.

It’s recommended to seek professional help rather than trying to quit cold turkey on your own. A therapist or counselor can help you find replacements for gambling.

Being addicted to gambling is a spectrum, so people have different feelings about how they are described or what they are called. It’s generally safest to use “a person with” before describing gambling behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do therapists call gambling addiction?

They typically refer to gambling addiction as gambling disorder, which is in the DSM-5. Gambling disorder is recognized as a treatable condition.

Is “problem gambler” offensive?

While not generally offensive, “problem gambler” is not the most supportive language. It is better to say “a person with a gambling problem or addiction.”

What’s the difference between “compulsive gambler” and “gambling disorder”?

Gambling disorder is the most current medical term for a gambling addiction. “Disordered gambler” could be informally used for someone with the condition. “Compulsive gambler” is outdated.

Is “degenerate gambler” a clinical term?

No, the term “degenerate gambler” is generally considered offensive and stigmatizing, and it’s not used by clinicians treating addiction. Avoid using it.

What should I say instead of “gambling addict”?

Say “person with a gambling addiction” instead of “gambling addict.” Some people may not mind the term “gambling addict,” even using it themselves, but it’s best to choose less stigmatizing language.