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:
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.
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
| Risk Level | PGSI Points | SOGS Points | DSM-5 | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No risk | 0 - 2 | 0 - 2 | 0-1 | Continue to monitor, maintain limits |
| Low risk | 3 - 7 | 3 - 4 | 2-3 | Review limits, keep a diary, repeat the test in 3 months. |
| Medium risk | 8 - 16 | 5 - 6 | 4-5 | Restrict access (BetStop, GamBan), connect technical measures and social support |
| High risk | 17 - 27 | ≥ 7 | ≥ 6 | Consult a specialist, connect a self-exclusion program, therapy |
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.
