Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) — Screening Quiz for Addiction and Habits
Multiple-choice screening tool for gambling-related issues.
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a validated multiple-choice screening tool designed to identify gambling-related issues and measure the severity of problem gambling behaviors. This concise PGSI screening quiz, created for the Addiction and Habits category, helps you quickly assess gambling risk using evidence-based questions. Taking this self-assessment can increase awareness of gambling patterns, financial impact, emotional stress, and related habits so you can make informed choices about next steps.
This PGSI test is ideal for individuals, clinicians, and support providers seeking a standardized screening measure for gambling problems. The quiz is simple to complete, SEO-optimized for those searching for gambling screening tools, and includes clear interpretation guidance and actionable recommendations based on your score. Use this PGSI quiz as a first step to understanding gambling behavior, tracking changes over time, and finding support when needed.
Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
Assess whether gambling has led you to exceed your financial limits.
Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
Checks for tolerance-like patterns where larger bets are needed to achieve the same effect.
Have you gone back another day to try to win back the money you lost?
Assesses chasing losses, a common harmful gambling behavior.
Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
Identifies financial coping behaviors linked to gambling harms.
Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
Self-perception of gambling-related difficulties or loss of control.
Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
Captures physical and mental health impacts related to gambling behavior.
Have people criticized your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem, regardless of whether you thought it was true?
Measures social feedback and external concern about gambling.
Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
Identifies direct financial harms attributable to gambling behavior.
Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
Assesses guilt and remorse, common emotional consequences of problematic gambling.
Frequently asked questions
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a validated screening tool used to measure gambling-related problems and severity. It consists of 9 multiple-choice items that evaluate behaviors, financial consequences, psychological effects, and social impacts associated with gambling. The total score helps classify risk from non-problem to problem gambling.
Each PGSI question is scored 0 (Never), 1 (Sometimes), 2 (Most of the time), or 3 (Almost always). The quiz sums all nine item scores to produce a total between 0 and 27. Interpretation bands are: 0 = non-problem, 1–2 = low risk, 3–7 = moderate risk, and 8+ = problem gambling.
No. The PGSI is a screening and self-assessment tool that indicates risk and severity levels. It is not a clinical diagnosis. A high PGSI score suggests that a professional assessment is recommended to determine a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
If your PGSI score falls in the moderate or problem range (3 or higher), consider contacting a healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or local gambling support service. Immediate steps can include setting financial limits, using self-exclusion tools, reaching out to trusted friends or family, and seeking counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy for gambling issues.
Retake the PGSI whenever you notice changes in your gambling behavior or every few months if you are monitoring progress after an intervention. Frequent retesting (e.g., monthly) may help track short-term changes, while longer intervals (3–6 months) can show sustained improvements.
This PGSI screening tool is intended for self-assessment and awareness. Confidentiality depends on the platform you use to take the test. If using a clinical or trusted service, review their privacy policy. For serious concerns, discuss results with a licensed professional who can offer confidential, secure care.
Related quizzes
Compulsive Buying Scale Quiz — Assess Compulsive & Impulsive Buying (Addiction and Habits)
Likert items assessing compulsive and impulsive buying behavior.
Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version: Self-Assessment for Smartphone Overuse
Multiple-choice self-assessment of smartphone overuse and dependency.
Work Addiction Risk Test (WART) — Workaholism Quiz & Unhealthy Work Habits Assessment
Likert-scale tool measuring risk of workaholism and unhealthy work habits.
Internet Addiction Test (IAT) — Assess Problematic Internet Use | Addiction and Habits
Likert-scale test to determine the degree of problematic internet use.
Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 Quiz — Assess Addictive-like Eating (Addiction and Habits)
Likert-scale questionnaire identifying addictive-like eating patterns.
DAST-10: Drug Abuse Screening Test — Quick Yes/No Assessment for Problematic Drug Use
Yes/no screening for problematic drug use and consequences.