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Gambling self-check

Nine questions adapted from the Problem Gambling Severity Index, the screening tool used by clinicians across the UK. Think about the last 12 months as you answer.

How this works. The scoring happens inside your browser. Your answers are not sent to us, not stored, and not visible to anyone else. Closing the tab erases them. This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.

1. Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

2. Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

3. When you gambled, did you go back another day to try to win back the money you lost?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

4. Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

5. Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

6. Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

7. Have people criticised your betting, or told you that you had a gambling problem, whether or not you thought it was true?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

8. Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

9. Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble, or about what happens when you gamble?

Never Sometimes Most of the time Almost always

your result

0 / 27

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How the scoring works

Each answer scores 0 for “never”, 1 for “sometimes”, 2 for “most of the time” and 3 for “almost always”, giving a total between 0 and 27.

Score	Usual interpretation
0	No indicators recorded in the last 12 months
1–2	Low level of risk
3–7	Moderate risk — harm is already showing
8+	High risk — significant harm, treatment strongly advised

A low score does not mean everything is fine, and a high score does not mean you are beyond help. It is a starting point for a conversation, not a verdict. If your answers surprised you, that in itself is worth acting on.

If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call Samaritans on 116 123 now, free, at any hour, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.

one small step

A 20-minute call, and no pressure at the end of it.

We will listen, tell you plainly what your options are — including the free NHS and charity routes — and leave the decision entirely with you.

Book a free intake call Helpline 0808 8020 133

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