How might you know if you or someone you live with is developing a problem with their gambling?

It’s not always easy to tell. Early signs, like missing the odd family event or spending a little more money than you intended, could be passed off as no big deal. While these are subtle signs and less extreme than bankruptcy or family break down, they can indicate a problem may be developing.

You have likely heard the term “problem gambling”. That refers to gambling behaviour with serious consequences for the gambler and/or their family. There is also a classification known as “moderate risk gambling”. This category includes gamblers who are starting to show early signs of developing a problem.

1. Have you ever lost time from work due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Has gambling affected your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing do you ever feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win do you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
10. Do you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance your gambling?
12. Are you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Does gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself and your family?
14. Do you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed or considered committing an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Does gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustration create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Do you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction as a result of your gambling?

Compulsive gamblers usually answer “yes” to at least seven of the twenty questions. Problem gambling can be treated, please call for help.

Copyright 1980 by Gamblers Anonymous, Los Angeles, CA