Gambling addiction tests
Introduction
Gambling addiction tests are the first objective step towards awareness of your problem. Special questionnaires allow you to identify signs of patterns of harmful behavior in 5-10 minutes and determine the degree of risk. Australia uses international scales (PGSI, SOGS, DSM-5) and online versions (BeGambleAware, GamTest), developed taking into account local realities and operator licenses.
1. Main procedures
1. PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index)
‣ 9 questions about frequency and behavior in the past year
‣ Response scale: from "never" (0) to "very often" (3)
‣ Point interpretation:- 0-2: no or very low risk
- 3 - 7: low risk
- 8 - 16: medium risk
- 17 - 27: high risk
2. SOGS (South Oaks Gambling Screen)
‣ 20 questions: debt consequences, secret bets, guilt
‣ Yes/No answers each "yes" = 1 point
‣ Scores ≥ 5 indicate probable pathology, 3-4 - intermediate risk.
3. DSM-5 Criteria (American Psychiatric Association)
‣ 9 criteria for dependent behavior (control, tolerance, withdrawal, pursuit of winnings, etc.)
‣ The diagnosis of "gaming disorder" is made in the presence of 4 or more criteria within 12 months.
4. GamTest (Responsible Gambling Council)
‣ Online questionnaire adapted to Australian market- ‣ Includes 12 items, assesses behavior, emotions and social consequences
- ‣ Immediately gives recommendations: from "self-control" to "ask for help."
5. BeGambleAware Self-Assessment
‣ Free web test from a non-profit organization- ‣ 10 DSM questions adapted for online casinos
‣ At the end - personal tips and links to hotlines.
2. How to take the test
1. Format selection
Print version (PGSI, SOGS): Download PDF from the Gamblers Help website or your state regulator.
Online tests: Go begambleaware. org or gamtest. rgc. ca.
2. Preparation
Set aside a quiet time (10-15 minutes).
Take a blank sheet and pen or open an editor - fix your answers.
3. Passing
Answer honestly, relying on the experience of the last year (PGSI, DSM) or the last month (GamTest).
Do not think too long about the wording - the first reaction is more often objective.
4. Evaluation of the result
PGSI/SOGS: calculate the amount of points, consult the interpretation.
DSM-5: Mark the number of yes's for each item.
GamTest/BeGambleAware: the system will issue an automatic report with the risk level and links.
3. Interpretation and actions
PGSI 8 +/SOGS ≥ 5 - professional help and official self-exclusion are already worth considering.
DSM-5 ≥ 4 - "gaming disorder" is diagnosed with the right to insurance therapy.
GamTest/BeGambleAware - automatically selects hotlines and support programs.
4. Additional tools
Mobile questionnaire applications: Gambling Therapy (iOS/Android) conducts a weekly retake test.
Chats and hotlines: Gamblers Help (1800 858 858), Lifeline (13 11 14).
Support groups: local divisions of Gamblers Anonymous.
5. Regular monitoring
1. Frequency: Repeat the test every 3-6 months or when circumstances change (rate increases, job changes).
2. Analysis of the dynamics: record the results in the diary, compare, note improvements or deterioration.
3. Strategy adjustment: when points grow, reduce limits, add technical barriers, and increase social support.
Conclusion
Gambling addiction tests are not a formality, but an objective self-help tool and the first indicators of problem behavior. Honestly passing PGSI, SOGS, DSM-5 or online questionnaires GamTest and BeGambleAware, you immediately receive specific recommendations: from self-control and setting limits to seeking professional support. Regular monitoring and timely action will help maintain financial and psychological health.
