Ludomania as a social phenomenon emerged in different countries in certain periods of time and was caused by a complex of reasons that explain the essence of common prerequisites, as well as features characteristic only for a given country. Establishing the causes of the emergence of ludomania means to establish genetic links between individual established types and forms of social relations in dynamics, in the processes of their movement and development. On the basis of the established causes of the phenomenon, which is a potential threat to national security, there is an opportunity to rationally organise the practical activities of society and the development of scientific forecasts regarding the further state and dynamics of the phenomenon under study, and on this basis to contribute to the development of effective measures to counteract addiction.