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18+ · Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.

Self-test · 9 questions · 2 min

PGSI self-assessment

Nine questions, about two minutes. Think about the last 12 months and answer honestly — nobody else will see your answers.

Private by design. Everything runs in your browser. We don't store, send or track your answers — and this is a screening aid, not a diagnosis.

Thinking about the last 12 months…

0 of 9 answered

  1. 01Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
  2. 02Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
  3. 03When you gambled, did you go back another day to try to win back the money you lost?
  4. 04Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
  5. 05Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
  6. 06Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
  7. 07Have people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem, regardless of whether or not you thought it was true?
  8. 08Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
  9. 09Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?

About this test

The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was developed by Ferris and Wynne for the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and is one of the most widely used gambling screens in the world, including in Great Britain's official gambling surveys. It measures gambling-related harm and behaviour, not how often you play.

A score of 1 or more doesn't mean something is wrong — but it does mean gambling is starting to cost you more than money. If you scored 3 or more, read our guide to the warning signs of problem gambling and consider speaking to a helpline in your country.

For a clinical-style perspective, try the DSM-5 checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PGSI?

The Problem Gambling Severity Index is the 9-item scored section of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, published in 2001. It is used in national prevalence surveys and by treatment services in many countries.

How is the PGSI scored?

Each answer scores 0 (never) to 3 (almost always), for a total of 0–27. The standard bands are 0 non-problem, 1–2 low risk, 3–7 moderate risk and 8 or more problem gambling.

Is a high score a diagnosis?

No. The PGSI is a screening tool. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose gambling disorder. A high score is a strong signal to talk to a professional or a helpline.

What time period should I think about?

Answer for the last 12 months. If your gambling has changed recently, you can also take it thinking only about the last few months.