Several criteria have been devised by mental health experts to diagnose problem gambling. Most mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose various psychological conditions. This manual lists Gambling Disorder alongside other addictive behaviors. To be diagnosed with Gambling Disorder, a person must have repeated unsuccessful attempts to control their behavior. Their gambling activities must become uncontrollable, even when the odds are against them and they cannot afford to lose.
The earliest evidence for gambling dates to the Paleolithic period, a time long before written history. The first six-sided dice were invented in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC, based on the astragali.