Pathological gambling addiction (ludomania) is a complex form of behavioral addiction caused by the interaction of cognitive and emotional factors and characterized by a persistent inability to control participation in gaming activities, despite the negative consequences.

Objective: This study is aimed at identifying and experimentally substantiating the cognitive and emotional predictors of the formation and development of ludomania - pathological gambling addiction based on the identified psychological factors (cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, alexithymia, etc.)

Methods: The study used methods to identify general, cognitive and emotional factors influencing the formation and development of ludomania: South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS); DSM-5 Gambling Disorder Criteria; Cognitive Distortions Index (CDI); Gambling-Related Irrational Beliefs Test (GRIT) Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11); Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS); Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20).

Results: indicate the complex nature of gambling addiction, where cognitive distortions create the basis for irrational decisions, and emotional dysregulation increases the need for gambling as a means of avoiding negative experiences. Impulsivity acts as a link between cognitive and emotional mechanisms, contributing to the development of problematic and pathological gambling behavior.

Practical value: cognitive and emotional predictors of the formation and development of gambling addiction were determined. The results of the study confirm the need for an integrated approach to the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction, including cognitive rehabilitation, emotional therapy and self-regulation training.