Learn the Signs
How Can I Tell if I Have a Gambling Problem?
Click this link to take an online self-exam. This brief questionnaire can help you determine if you have a gambling problem.
Am I Living With A Compulsive Gambler?
You are likely living with a compulsive (pathological) gambler if you answer "YES" to at least six of the following questions.
- Do you find yourself constantly bothered by bill collectors?
- Is the person in question often away from home for long, unexplained periods of time?
- Does this person ever lose time from work due to gambling?
- Do you feel that this person cannot be trusted with money?
- Does the person in question faithfully promise that he or she will stop gambling; beg, plead for another chance, yet gamble again and again?
- Does this person ever gamble longer than he or she intended to, until the last dollar is gone?
- Does this person immediately return to gambling to try to recover losses, or to win more?
- Does this person ever gamble to get money to solve financial difficulties or have unrealistic expectations that gambling will bring the family material comfort and wealth?
- Does this person borrow money to gamble with or to pay gambling debts?
- Has this person's reputation ever suffered due to gambling, even to the extent of committing illegal acts to finance gambling?
- Have you come to the point of hiding money needed for living expenses, knowing that you and the rest of the family may go without food and clothing if you do not?
- Do you search this person's clothing or go through his or her wallet when the opportunity presents itself, or otherwise check on his/her activities?
- Does the person in question hide his or her money?
- Have you noticed a personality change in the gambler as his or her gambling progresses?
- Does the person in question consistently lie to cover up or deny his or her gambling activities?
- Does this person use guilt induction as a method of shifting responsibilities for his or her gambling upon you?
- Do you attempt to anticipate this person's moods, or try to control his or her life?
- Does this person ever suffer from remorse or depression due to gambling, sometimes to the point of self-destruction?
- Has the gambling ever brought you to the point of threatening to break up the family unit?
- Do you feel that your life together is a nightmare?
Criteria for Compulsive Gambling
To be diagnosed as a compulsive (pathological) gambler, an individual must meet at least five of ten diagnostic criteria:
- Preoccupation
Is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble). - Tolerance
Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the
desired excitement. - Withdrawal
Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling. - Escape
Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or relieving dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings
of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression). - Chasing
After losing money gambling, often returns another day in order to get even ("chasing"
one's losses). - Lying
Lies to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement
with gambling. - Loss of Control
Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling. - Illegal Acts
Has committed illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement) in order to
finance gambling. - Risked Significant Relationship
Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling. - Bailout
Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused
by gambling.
