Gambling Self-Assessment
A private, 2-minute self-check based on the DSM-5 criteria. Informational, not a diagnosis — and your answers never leave your browser.
If you’re not sure whether your gambling — or a loved one’s — has become a problem, this short self-check can help you see things more clearly. It’s based on the nine criteria that the American Psychiatric Association uses to describe gambling disorder in the DSM-5.
Two things to know before you start: this is for information and reflection, not a diagnosis — only a qualified professional can diagnose gambling disorder. And it’s completely private: your answers are never saved or sent anywhere. They stay in your browser.
Private: your answers are never saved or sent anywhere — everything happens in your browser.
1. In the last 12 months, have you needed to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement?
2. Have you felt restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling?
3. Have you made repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling?
4. Do you think about gambling a lot (reliving past bets, or planning the next one)?
5. Do you often gamble when you feel distressed — anxious, low, or guilty?
6. After losing money, do you often go back another day to try to get even ("chasing" losses)?
7. Have you lied to hide how much you gamble?
8. Have you risked or lost a relationship, job, or opportunity because of gambling?
9. Have you relied on others for money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?
Answer all nine questions and guidance will appear here. There are no right or wrong answers.
No clear signs right now
You didn't identify with any of the criteria. That's a good sign. If gambling still worries you, talking to the helpline is always a free, confidential option.
See help optionsSome signs worth watching
You identified with 0 of 9 criteria. That's below the usual clinical threshold (4), but these signs can grow. It's a good moment to learn more and, if you want, talk to someone.
See your options for helpThis is worth taking seriously
You identified with 0 of 9 criteria. In the DSM-5, four or more in a year is consistent with a mild gambling disorder. This is not a diagnosis — but it's a strong reason to talk to the helpline or a professional today.
Get help nowPlease don't wait to reach out
You identified with 0 of 9 criteria, which points to a more serious situation. You deserve support. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline is free, confidential, and available right now.
Call 1-800-GAMBLERThis tool is informational only and is based on the DSM-5 criteria. It is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified health professional can diagnose a gambling disorder.
What your result means
In the DSM-5, experiencing four or more of these nine criteria within a 12-month period is consistent with gambling disorder, ranging from mild (4–5) to moderate (6–7) to severe (8–9). But even one or two signs are worth taking seriously — problems are far easier to turn around early.
Whatever your result, it doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t lock you into anything. It’s simply information you can act on.
A gentler first screen: the “Lie/Bet” questions
Researchers found that just two questions catch most gambling problems: Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money? and Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about your gambling? A “yes” to either is a good reason to look closer — which is exactly what the assessment above helps you do.
What to do next
If anything here worried you, you have options, and none of them commit you to anything: read about ways to get help, explore treatment, or simply talk it through — free and confidential — with a specialist at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Frequently asked questions
Is this self-assessment a diagnosis?
No. It’s an educational screen based on the DSM-5 criteria. It can help you decide whether to seek a professional assessment, but only a qualified clinician can diagnose gambling disorder.
Are my answers stored or shared?
No. The self-check runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is saved, logged, or sent to us or anyone else.
What score means I have a problem?
The DSM-5 uses a threshold of four or more of the nine criteria within a year for gambling disorder. But this is a guide, not a verdict — even one or two signs can be worth acting on, and a professional can give you a clearer picture.
I answered yes to several. What now?
Please consider reaching out today. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support, or look at our get help page. Acting early makes recovery much easier.
Can I use this to check on a family member?
The questions are written for the person gambling, but they can help you understand what to look for. Our family guide is a better starting point for supporting someone else.