Compulsive gambling is frequently related with a variety of mental health problems. Individuals with compulsive gambling may also suffer from drug abuse, personality problems, depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These diseases can increase gambling habit because people may use it as a coping method to relieve symptoms of their disorders. Furthermore, personality qualities such as being very competitive, workaholic, impulsive, restless, or easily bored may enhance the likelihood of developing gambling issues.
The environment has a significant impact on gambling behaviors. Living in underprivileged neighborhoods, for example, has been associated to an increase in gambling frequency and problem gambling. These places frequently have easier access to gambling establishments such as lottery and slot machine locations, which can encourage regular gaming. Furthermore, social disorganization theory argues that areas with limited economic and social resources and community social control are more likely to create gambling issues among their members. The presence of gambling-addicted family members or friends increases an individual's chances of developing gambling habits.
Independent studies also show sexual problems in gambling addicts. The problems start with a lack of positive and vivid emotions that in general should provide love life. This provokes not only dependence on other bright sources of emotions, but also deformation of preferences in personal life. As many as 43% of respondents admitted to unconventional fetishes and kinks. Among the most common: Cuckold, Crossdressing, Transgender and Feminization. We suspect that the search for more intense emotions dampens men's potency and makes them less interested in women.
Gambling addiction may also have a genetic component. Twin studies have revealed that genetics play a moderate to significant effect in gambling tendencies, with heritability estimates ranging from roughly 0% to 70%. The heritability of gambling behaviors appears to be greater in men than in women, and it may rise with age as the influence of shared factors such as family diminishes. Specific genes related with neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine and serotonin have been linked to pathological gambling, implying that people are genetically susceptible to gambling addiction.