Despite knowing the potential harm that gambling may do to their life, many with gambling problems nevertheless can’t seem to resist the temptation to bet. A gambling addiction is more likely to develop in those who begin gambling at a young age or who have a history of problem gambling in their family, according to research. On the other hand, pinpointing a direct cause and effect is not easy. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race or ethnicity, may develop a gambling addiction. The fact that compulsive gambling often happens with other addictive diseases like substance abuse or alcoholism further adds to the complexity.