Binge Gambling: A Neglected Concept

It is argued that there exists a relatively neglected distinct sub-group of pathological gamblers, described in the clinical literature, who display intermittent episodes of uncontrolled gambling superimposed on a background of prolonged intervening periods of abstinence. This sub-group is characterised by intense bouts of impaired control over gambling that meet core diagnostic features for pathological gambling during such defined episodes. However, they are unlikely to display significant symptoms of pathological gambling if screened during intervening periods of abstinence and report no persistent or progressive urges or preoccupation with gambling between episodes. This article discusses the concept of binge gambling with reference to illustrative case studies and by comparison to two other recognised binge behaviours, binge drinking and binge eating.