Am I a Problem Gambler?
Use the Risk Assessment Tool and clinical criteria to measure your habits against Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines and understand your overall risk.
Interactive Risk Assessment
Answer a short series of questions to see how your gambling measures against the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGG) and determine your overall risk.
Use the Risk Assessment Tool →How is Gambling Disorder Diagnosed by Clinicians?
Medical and psychological professionals refer to the American Psychological Association Criteria to diagnose a severe gambling problem, which medical experts refer to by the technical term, Gambling Disorder (APA, DSM-5-TR).
According to the APA criteria, an individual who, over a 12-month period, meets four or more of these nine criteria is considered to have a gambling disorder:
Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
Restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
Made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
Often preoccupied with gambling (e.g. persistent thoughts of past experiences, planning ventures, or getting money to gamble).
Often gamble when feeling distressed (e.g. helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
After losing money gambling, often return another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses).
Lie to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
Jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity because of gambling.
Rely on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
Treatment Options
Once diagnosed, there are three main treatment options available for gambling disorder:
- 1. Psychotherapy: Professional counseling tailored to change gambling behaviors and thought patterns.
- 2. Medications: Medical support to help manage urges, anxiety, or underlying conditions.
- 3. Support Groups: Community-based networks offering shared experiences and mutual encouragement.
Who Can Help?
Trained professionals who may be involved in treating a gambling disorder include:
Need Help or Have Questions?
Reach out anytime for free, confidential assistance and support across PEI at the PEI Gaming and Gambling Support Line.