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Gambling Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Is Your Gambling Out of Control?

No one sets out to become addicted, and no brain malfunction causes gambling addiction. However, the random way big rewards are delivered in gambling provides compelling incentives to repeat the activity even when it results in detrimental consequences. As the brain adapts to repeatedly risking money and the emotional highs of occasionally winning, it becomes harder and harder to stop voluntarily—but it is possible. See where you fall on this gambling scale.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly Agree
Agree
1. I like to gamble when I am feeling depressed or upset over other problems in life.
Disagree
Agree
2. I have risked or lost larger amounts of money than I intended.
Disagree
Agree
3. When I lose money gambling, I feel the need to return another day to make up for the loss.
Disagree
Agree
4. I sometimes wonder whether I am dependent on gambling.
Disagree
Agree
Dilen/Shutterstock
5. I am always able to stop gambling when I want.
Disagree
Agree
6. I have accumulated significant debt as a result of gambling.
Disagree
Agree
7. I have hidden my gambling activity and/or losses from family or friends.
Disagree
Agree
8. I have borrowed money from others to relieve dire situations created by gambling.
Disagree
Agree
9. I sometimes feel bad about my need to gamble.
Disagree
Agree
10. I spend a lot of time thinking about gambling—reliving past gambling experiences, planning my next venture, or thinking about how to get money for gambling.
Disagree
Agree
Macrovector/Shutterstock
11. I have never engaged in illicit activities to support my gambling.
Disagree
Agree
12. I experience cravings or a strong desire to gamble.
Disagree
Agree
13. I feel restless or irritable when I am attempting to stop or cut down on gambling.
Disagree
Agree
14. Family members and or friends have asked me whether I am addicted to gambling.
Disagree
Agree
Golden Sikorka/Shutterstock
15. I have endangered a significant relationship or job because of my gambling.
Disagree
Agree
16. I have tried to stop gambling one or more times but resumed the activity.
Disagree
Agree
17. I have engaged in gambling to relieve the unpleasant effects I experience when not doing it.
Disagree
Agree
18. I have neglected work or school because of gambling.
Disagree
Agree
19. I have sometimes neglected family obligations because of opportunities to gamble.
Disagree
Agree
20. I find myself risking increased amounts of money to achieve the desired effect.
Disagree
Agree
Psychology Today's online self-tests are intended for informational purposes only and are not diagnostic tools. Psychology Today does not capture or store personally identifiable information, and your identity cannot be determined from your responses. Aggregated self-test responses are stored to improve the tests and provide performance comparisons. Psychology Today uses third party cookies such as Google Analytics to collect visitor data on this page without sharing any personal data, ensuring your identity cannot be determined from your visit. There are no advertising partners included on these self-test pages. If you wish to remove cookies from this site or opt out of data sharing, please click 'Do not share or sell my personal information' below. For a reliable medical diagnosis, please consult a professional.

Who is this test for?

This test is for anyone concerned about gambling activity. It is designed for adults and is not intended to be diagnostic.

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help

If gambling activity is leading to professional, legal, financial, or relationship problems, seeking the help of a therapist can be beneficial. Find a professional near you in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

References

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Association. 2022.

Sohn, Emily. How gambling affects the brain and who is most vulnerable to addiction. American Psychological Association Monitor on Psychology, 54:5, p. 62, July/August 2023.

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