Concerned that you may have an issue with casino gaming, sports betting, playing the lottery, or one of the many other forms of gambling made readily accessible through web-enabled technology? Or has someone who cares about you mentioned that you’re a little too involved in the activity?
Whatever it is that caused you to come online and search for a “do I have a gambling problem quiz”, find comfort in the fact that you’re here. You can jump ahead to the bottom of this resource to start the quiz, or reference the point-form summary of signs, symptoms, and factors that relate to problematic gambling behavior first, for added insight.
Signs, Symptoms, and Factors Relating to Problem Gambling with a 2-Minute Quiz + FREE Follow-up Assessment
Signs, Symptoms, and Consequences of Problem Gambling
The signs and symptoms of gambling have evolved over the last couple of years. The list now takes into account the arrival of new gambling – or gambling adjacent – products such as prediction market sports trading (view more). If you recognize three or more of the consequences, emotions, feelings, and behaviors below, a clinician provided assessment for problem gambling (FREE) is strongly recommended.
- I am currently, or frequently in debt from gambling.
- I have, or continue to borrow money from friends and/or family to gamble.
- I have, or continue to borrow money from friends and/or family to cover losses from gambling.
- I have committed crime and/or fraud to cover losses from gambling.
- I gamble more in an attempt to cover losses sustained from gambling.
- I get irritable, restless, or anxious when I have not gambled in a week, or an even shorter span of time.
- I feel unsettled when there is no access to the internet to gamble online, if one of the gambling apps/sites that I use is down, or functions slower than usual.
- I use my phone to access online gambling when not safe, such as when driving a car or other activity that may result in injury to myself or others.
- I use my phone, tablet, or computer to access online gambling when not appropriate, such as when at work or school.
- I use illegal offshore websites (view common examples) to gamble to get around regulations against gambling in my state.
- I have self-excluded myself from an online gambling app/site, only to register with another one so that I can keep gambling.
- I use unregulated offshore websites to gamble after having self-excluded myself from regulated gambling sites and facilities in my state.
- I struggle to maintain conversations with friends and family without discussing sports betting, casino games, or other forms of gambling.
- I have lost interest in other activities that I used to enjoy.
- I now gamble with greater amounts to attain the same “rush” that I used to feel with smaller wagers.
- I now gamble with frequency to attain the same “rush” that I used to feel with less-frequent online sessions or visits to the casino.
- I am unable to enjoy watching sports without betting on games/events.
- I look constantly for opportunities to bet on other, non-sporting events, such as award shows, elections, et cetera.
- I follow gambling influencers on social media, and find their lifestyle to be aspirational.
- I gamble often as a means to escape boredom.
- I gamble as a means to escape negative feelings such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress.
- I have been asked by loved ones to take a break from gambling.
- I have lied to loved ones about gambling after indicating that I was going to take a break.
- I have attempted to control or cut down on gambling without success.
Summary of Issues Linked to Problem Gambling
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) may make you vulnerable to problematic behavior relating to various activities, such as the use alcohol, drugs, pornography, gaming, and gambling. If you experienced any of the following in adolescence, clinician intervention for your concern about being a problem gambler is strongly recommended:
- Early exposure (often by age 10-12) to problematic gambling behavior with a parent, guardian, older sibling, or other supposed role model.
- Early involvement (often by age 10-15) in gambling, whether in the home, at school, or among friends.
- Household dysfunction, such as substance abuse in the home, domestic violence, mental illness in parents/guardians, et cetera.
- Early exposure to traumatic experiences.
- Early exposure to abuse (verbal and physical).
- Growing up in environments where gambling is heavily shamed or suppressed. This can create a cycle of curiosity, engagement in gambling, subsequent feelings of guilt, and more involvement in gambling to cope with guilt.
- Neglect and a lack of consistent emotional support which can lead to loneliness, low self-worth, and difficulty identifying feelings which can lead to a search for a substitute for positive reinforcement.
- Social isolation adolescence, as feeling rejected or excluded by peers in social situations can lead someone to a reliable, non-judgmental source of stimulation and comfort.
Mental Health Issues that Overlap with Problem Gambling
There are various mental health issues that have a bidirectional relationship with problem gambling. If you live with any of the following, clinician intervention is strongly recommended:
| Anxiety | Depression |
| Low Self Esteem | Suicidality and Suicidal Ideation |
| ADHD | Bipolar Disorder |
| OCD | PTSD |
Behavioral Health Issues that Overlap with Problem Gambling
There are various behavioral health issues – other addictive behaviors – that have a bidirectional relationship with problem gambling. If you struggle with any of the following, clinician intervention is strongly recommended:
| Unhealthy Video Gaming | Unhealthy Trading (day trading, prediction markets, etc.) |
| Unhealthy use of pornography | Unhealthy sexual behavior |
| Eating Disorders | Substance Use Disorders |
Take a 3-Question Problem Gambling Quiz
If you took the time to review signs, symptoms, and associated issues above, you may already understand that counseling intervention will be highly beneficial. That being said, you arrived here after searching for a “do I have a gambling problem quiz“ so you may proceed to take the self-assessment linked below. Once you complete the short, confidential 3-question quiz, you will receive access a no-cost follow-up assessment. Click or tap below to get started.
Do you want to talk to a gambling counselor now, or do you prefer to schedule an appointment for a day/time this week or weekend? We’re here for you. A counselor specializing in treating problematic gambling behavior and intersecting issues is available at a time that is convenient for YOU. Click or tap below to initiate a FREE assessment and to schedule your first counseling session. Insurance and direct billing are available.
