Gambling, whether it’s the lottery, sports, cards, bingo, racing, or at the casino, has become a major activity for millions of people in the U.S. compulsive gambling can have a serious, negative impact on a person’s life. Following is a simple test that may indicate whether you or someone you know is having a problem with gambling. Please answer the questions as truthfully as you are able from you own experience. Only a complete evaluation by a trained, clinical professional will tell you whether or not you have a treatable problem.
Sometimes I have felt depressed or anxious after a session of gambling.
Yes / No
Sometimes I have felt guilty about the way I gamble.
Yes / No
When I think about it, gambling has sometimes caused me problems.
Yes / No
Sometimes I have found it better not to tell others, especially my family, about the amount of time or money I spend on gambling
Yes / No
I often find that when I stop gambling I have run out of money.
Yes / No
Often, I get the urge to return to gambling to win back losses from a past session.
Yes / No
I have received criticism about my gambling in the past.
Yes / No
I have tried to win money to pay debts.
Yes / No
If you answer “Yes” to 4 or more questions, you might benefit from a full evaluation at Butler Hospital’s Outpatient Gambling Clinic. Call 401-455-6391. Outside Rhode Island at 1-800-272-9699.
Dr. Sean Sullivan developed this test for the Compulsive Gambling Society of NZ Inc and the Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care at the Auckland School of Medicine. Permission to republish granted by Dr. Sean Sullivan.
