Are You A Problem Gambler? Take This Test To Find Out.

Online gambling can be fun and social, and it might be something you enjoy now and again. However, there's a big difference between the odd bet with low stakes and regular online gambling, where the losses add up, and the need to win becomes a problem.

Responsible online gambling can be enjoyable, but betting outside of your budget and obsessing about the next game can be a risk. Find out how you can assess your current gambling behaviour and find the right support for you.

Problem gambling is still an issue

Although the majority of those who gamble will be doing so responsibly, sometimes gambling may turn into more risky behaviour. Safe gambling is about having fun and maintaining control over your play. If gambling leads to financial strain, anxiety, depression, or negatively impacts your life, it could become problematic.

GambleAware's 2023 Annual GB Treatment and Support Survey highlighted that 13% of gamblers experienced problem gambling. It also found that there is still stigma towards individuals seeking help or support.

In addition, Gamcare reported that in 2023, 43% of their callers mentioned the impact of gambling on their mental well-being. This included depression, anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts.

GambleAware has a self-assessment

If you're not sure whether you are a responsible gambler or perhaps veer into problem gambler territory, gambleaware.org can help. They have a simple test on their website for those 18 or over to help you assess if your gambling is safe or a problem.

They suggest it's for you to review your gambling or someone else's and it aims to help you gain access to the right advice and content.

On their website, they also offer other gambling support and tools including limiting ads online, gambling blocking and self-exclusion and a gambling spend calculator.

Take the self-assessment

GambleAware's self-assessment can help you to check whether you may be a problem gambler. Answers are anonymous and will not be shared. They state that the self-assessment tool is a guide. It is an indicator of your gambling mentality and should not be seen as treatment or as a substitute for treatment.

The assessment consists of a series of statements. You will be asked to rate how much each statement reflects your gambling behaviour. Upon completion, you will receive an analysis of how gambling impacts your life and will be given tailored recommendations for your subsequent actions.

You can check out our guides about responsible gambling, which also have information about gambling support organisations .