Unmasking Gambling
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Questions · Gambling addiction

Gambling addiction test: do I have a problem with gambling?

Short answer

This test uses the PGSI, nine questions about the last 12 months used in research worldwide. It takes two minutes, is free and anonymous, and your answers never leave your browser. It is not a diagnosis, but it tells you on real criteria what level of risk you are at.

What this test measures

The nine questions are the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), created by Ferris and Wynne in 2001. They ask about the last 12 months: whether you bet more than you can afford, go back to win back losses, borrow money to gamble, whether it has caused you health or money problems, whether you feel guilty.

It does not measure how much you gamble, but what gambling is costing you. That is why someone who bets little can score high, and the other way round.

After your result

With your score, the personal plan suggests barriers, tactics for your risky moments and what to do when an urge comes. To understand what gambling addiction is and how it is treated, see What is gambling addiction? Symptoms, causes and treatment And if you have already decided to stop, the first steps are in How to stop gambling: what to do if you think you are addicted

Related questions

Is an online gambling addiction test reliable?

This one uses the PGSI, a validated questionnaire used in health surveys in many countries. It is reliable for what it does: estimating the level of risk. It does not replace a professional assessment, which is the only way to get a diagnosis.

What does my score mean?

0 points: no problems with gambling. 1 to 2: low risk. 3 to 7: moderate risk, with some negative consequences. 8 or more: problem gambling, with consequences and possible loss of control. These are the cut-offs published by the questionnaire’s authors.

Are my answers saved?

Only in your browser, so the personal plan can use them. They are not sent to any server; there are no accounts and no tracking cookies. You can clear them any time by retaking the test.

I got a high score. What now?

You are not alone: it is more common than it seems and it is treatable. Talk to someone you trust, put barriers in place so you stop gambling, and get professional help; your doctor can refer you, and gambling helplines are free.