How to tell if you have a gaming addiction: A round-up of tests

Gambling addiction is a chronic obsessive attraction to gambling, leading to financial and personal losses. A reliable way to determine the degree of risk is to pass a standardized questionnaire. Below is a detailed description of the most common tests, the procedure for passing them and interpretation algorithms.

1. Why tests are needed and to whom they are shown

Purpose of testing: objective assessment of behavior, identification of pathological tendency in the early stages.
Who benefits: People noticing a progressive attraction to gaming, experiencing financial distress or emotional discomfort after betting.
Result: risk scale from "low" to "high," recommendations for further steps: self-control, consultation with a psychologist or specialized services.

2. Basic tests to assess gaming addiction

Test Title	Number of Questions	Passing Time	Target Audience
PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index)	9	3-5 minutes	general population
SOGS (South Oaks Gambling Screen)	20	5-7 minutes	clinical and population
DSM-5 Criteria for Gambling Disorder	9 criteria	5 minutes	diagnostic

3. Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)

1. Structure and scales

9 behavioral questions over the past year: control, lies, emotions.
Answer options: "Never" (0), "Rarely" (1), "Sometimes" (2), "Often" (3).

2. Sample questions

"Have you had difficulty controlling your desire to play?"
"Have you lied to loved ones about your passion for gaming?"

3. Result interpretation

0 points - no problems.
1-2 points - low risk.
3-7 points - moderate risk.
≥ 8 points are serious problems, professional assistance is recommended.

4. Where to go

Online versions on specialized psychological support portals (Russian-speaking and international).

4. South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS)

1. Composition and structure

20 questions: the need to increase rates, loss of control, financial losses, consequences for the environment.
Some of the questions require specific numbers ("How much money have you lost in the last year? »).

2. Features

More detailed coverage of behavior and social consequences.
Often used in addiction and psychiatry clinics.

3. Assessment

5-9 points - moderate dependence.
≥ 10 points - pronounced dependence, therapeutic help is needed.

4. Shortcomings

Duration and detail can be frightened off by self-filling.
Anonymity and honesty in answers is required.

5. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

1. Criteria for Gambling Disorder

9 points: from the desire to "recoup" to the risk of losing an important relationship.

2. Passing

Answer yes or no to each criterion in the last 12 months.

3. Diagnosis

4-5 "yes" - light form.
6-7 yes is average.
≥ 8 "yes" is heavy.

4. Advantages

Standardized for psychiatric diagnosis.
Allows a qualified specialist to make a diagnosis.

6. How to take tests correctly

1. Medium selection

A secluded place without distractions.
Computer or print usage.

2. Honesty and confidentiality

Eliminate the fear of judgment: The test is for your benefit.
Do not overestimate or underestimate the answers.

3. Recording answers

Record points immediately after each question.
When finished, recalculate the total.

4. Timeliness

It is recommended to pass every 6-12 months with an ongoing hobby.

7. Interpretation and next steps

1. Low risk

Self-control: set limits, use blockers.
Self-education: read articles, participate in online groups.

2. Moderate risk

Connect supporting tools: blocking applications, financial accounting.
Take a brief consultation with a psychologist or hotline.

3. High risk/high dependency

Contact specialized specialists: psychotherapist, clinical psychologist.
Consider support groups (Gamblers Anonymous) and medical programs.

8. Frequent mistakes and misconceptions

Incomplete honesty
Wanting to look "better" understates the risk, slowing aid.
Single passing the test
Without subsequent analysis of the results, the test is useless.
Comparison with others
Always focus on your own feelings and numbers, and not on the statistics of the environment.

Conclusion
Regular and honest passing of standardized tests (PGSI, SOGS, DSM-5) gives an objective picture of your gaming activity. Based on the results of the questionnaires, you will receive a clear risk indicator and understand what steps to take: from independent control measures to professional therapy. This approach helps to stop the pathological scenario at an early stage and protect yourself from serious financial and psychological losses.