What do we know about relapse in pathological gambling?

The study of pathological gambling and its treatment is in a nascent stage. To date, no consistent definition of relapse to gambling exists, and only a few empirical studies have evaluated the phenomenon of relapse directly in this patient population. Perspectives on relapse to drug and alcohol use appear relevant to the study of pathological gambling, and relapse to gambling is reviewed within the larger context of addictive disorders. The application of psychological, biological, environmental, and treatment factors are described as they may relate to relapse among pathological gamblers.