Problem Gambling: Signs and Symptoms

The essential feature of pathological gambling is persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior that disrupts personal, family and vocational pursuits

Problem gambling may also be identified by answering the questions in the tests that follow.

FOR ADULT GAMBLERS

Lie-Bet Test

1. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
2. Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?

Answering yes to either of these questions might indicate a problem with gambling

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF YOUR GAMBLING?

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Are you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself and your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction as a result of your gambling?

7 OR MORE "YES" ANSWERS WOULD INDICATE A DEFINITE GAMBLING PROBLEM

Related Links

South Oaks Gambling Screen - Self Assessment

FOR YOUTH GAMBLERS

Lie-Bet Test

1. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
2. Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?

Answering yes to either of these questions might indicate a problem with gambling

Related Links

South Oaks Gambling Screen - Adolescent Revised
MAGS- Massachusetts Adolescent Gambling Screen
DCGP Youth Gambling Report

FOR FAMILY

Related Links

Gam Anon 20 Questions