Debate exists over how problem gambling should be defined.^[3] Research by governments in Australia led to a universal definition for that country which appears to be the only research based definition not to use diagnostic criteria.

Problem gambling is characterised by many difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community.^[4]

Most other definitions of problem gambling can usually be simplified to any gambling that causes harm to the gambler or someone else in any way. However, these definitions are usually coupled with descriptions of the type of harm or the use of diagnostic criteria such as the South Oaks Gambling Screen, ^[5] Canadian Problem Gambling Index ^[6] or the Victorian Gambling Screen ^[7].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_gambling