Interactive Tool | Updated: January 2026

Gambling Self-Assessment Tool

A free, confidential screening tool based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Answer 9 questions to better understand your gambling behavior and access helpful resources.

About This Assessment

This self-assessment uses the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a clinically validated screening tool developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. The PGSI is the most widely used problem gambling measure worldwide, used by researchers, healthcare providers, and support organizations.

Important: This is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. Only qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose gambling disorder. However, this assessment can help you understand your gambling behavior and decide if you want to seek additional support.

The questions ask about your gambling behavior over the past 12 months. Answer honestly—there are no right or wrong answers, and your responses are completely private.

🔒 100% Confidential — No data stored or transmitted
Question 1 of 9
Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 2 of 9
Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 3 of 9
When you gambled, did you go back another day to try to win back the money you lost?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 4 of 9
Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 5 of 9
Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 6 of 9
Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 7 of 9
Have people criticized your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem, regardless of whether or not you thought it was true?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 8 of 9
Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always
Question 9 of 9
Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
Think about the past 12 months
Never
Sometimes
Most of the time
Almost always

Your Assessment Results

Based on your responses to the PGSI questions

0
out of 27 possible points
Non-Problem Gambling

What This Means

Your Response Breakdown

Understanding PGSI Scores

The PGSI categorizes gambling behavior into four risk levels based on your total score:

0
Non-Problem Gambling
1-2
Low-Risk Gambling
3-7
Moderate-Risk Gambling
8-27
Problem Gambling

Understanding Problem Gambling: A Scientific Overview

Problem gambling, sometimes called gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, is recognized as a behavioral addiction by the American Psychiatric Association in the DSM-5. It's characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

Research published in the Journal of Gambling Studies estimates that approximately 2-3% of the general population experiences problem gambling at some point in their lives. However, rates vary significantly by demographics, access to gambling, and other factors.

About the PGSI Assessment

The Problem Gambling Severity Index was developed in 2001 by researchers at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction as part of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI). It has since become the most widely used measure of problem gambling risk globally.

The PGSI has been validated in numerous studies across different countries and cultures, demonstrating strong psychometric properties including high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha typically above 0.80) and good convergent validity with other gambling measures. For more information about the scientific validation of the PGSI, see research from the Responsible Gambling Council.

Limitations of Self-Assessment

While the PGSI is a validated screening tool, self-assessment has inherent limitations. Individuals may underreport or overreport symptoms due to social desirability bias, lack of awareness, or defensiveness. This tool should be considered a starting point for reflection, not a definitive diagnosis.

If you're concerned about your gambling behavior, speaking with a healthcare professional, counselor, or calling a gambling helpline can provide personalized guidance that no online tool can replace.

Risk Factors for Problem Gambling

Research has identified several factors that may increase vulnerability to problem gambling:

  • Early exposure — Beginning to gamble at a young age correlates with higher problem gambling rates
  • Mental health conditions — Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders often co-occur with problem gambling
  • Substance use — Alcohol and drug use disorders increase problem gambling risk
  • Family history — Having relatives with gambling problems increases risk
  • Personality factors — Impulsivity, competitiveness, and sensation-seeking traits correlate with problem gambling

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals make more informed decisions about their gambling behavior. Learn more in our guide on the psychology of gambling.

Related Tools and Resources

This self-assessment is part of our comprehensive responsible gambling resources. You may also find these tools helpful:

Important Disclaimer: This self-assessment tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're concerned about your gambling behavior, please contact a healthcare professional or call the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700 (available 24/7). If you're in crisis, please contact emergency services. 18+ Only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index)?

The PGSI is a clinically validated 9-question screening tool developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. It's the most widely used measure of problem gambling risk worldwide, used by researchers, healthcare providers, and gambling support organizations.

Is this gambling self-assessment confidential?

Yes, completely. This tool runs entirely in your browser. No answers are stored, transmitted, or saved anywhere. Your responses are processed locally and discarded when you close the page.

Can this quiz diagnose a gambling addiction?

No. This is a self-screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. Only qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose gambling disorder. This assessment helps you understand your behavior and decide if you should seek professional help.

What do the PGSI score categories mean?

Scores 0: Non-problem gambling. Scores 1-2: Low-risk gambling with few or no negative consequences. Scores 3-7: Moderate-risk gambling with some negative consequences. Scores 8+: Problem gambling with negative consequences and possible loss of control.

How accurate is the PGSI assessment?

The PGSI has been validated in numerous studies across multiple countries. Research shows it has strong reliability (Cronbach's alpha typically above 0.8) and correlates well with other measures of gambling problems. However, self-reporting limitations apply.

What should I do if my score indicates problem gambling?

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional or contacting a gambling helpline. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 through organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-522-4700) or BeGambleAware.

How often should I take this self-assessment?

If you gamble regularly, taking this assessment every few months can help you track changes in your behavior over time. If your score increases or you notice warning signs, consider seeking support sooner.

Related Tools & Resources

Session Tracker

Log your gambling sessions and compare actual results to expected value over time.

Tool

Problem Gambling Signs

Comprehensive guide to recognizing warning signs of gambling problems in yourself or others.

Guide