Compulsive Gambling Test

[Simmo!]

Here's the Gambler's Anonymous test they constructed for the BBC you can take online.

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If you fancy it. It makes you think. It wasn't quite as "obvious" as I thought it was going through it, but you'll see at the end anyway

And in case you were wondering, I'm right on the borderline psychologically, though not in "actuality"! See, this is where stuff like this gets tricky: as one who knows my weaknesses, I have put self-controls for my online "entertainments" in place. So, like the question: "After a win do you have a strong urge to return and win more?". Yeah, that was always one of my foibles. So I would, but I can't, due to the way I've (deliberately) set myself up (low reverse times, cashouts to banks, cooldown period etc) to stop this. So I answered "yes", even though I don't do it

But stuff like this can be quite eye-opening and make you think. It did me on a few questions.

 

[cheekymonkey]

Here's the Gambler's Anonymous test they constructed for the BBC you can take online.

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

If you fancy it. Just be honest (or there's no point in doing it!). It wasn't quite as "obvious" as I thought it was going through it, but you'll see at the end anyway

And in case you were wondering, I'm right on the borderline! Think I better bookmark this one for future checkups!

FFS! I don't even need to check this out to know the answer Simmo!

But I'll give it a go - lol.

 

[lojo]

Yeah, I hit a 6/20. Missed it by 'that' much I think that just makes me an enthusiastic gambler!

 

[paulcr]

I got 11/20. Looks like I`m pretty compulsive.

 

[tencardcharlie]

I got 6/20, a compulsive gamler would get 7/20. Sooo close

But I don't think the fact that I gamble to get money to pay bills should give higher scores in my case.

 

[Mousey]

Every gambler should do the occasional 'check up'. Doesn't hurt anything, and it just might help to spot any potential trouble spots.

 

[cheekymonkey]

Oh f**k.

 

[aka23]

I scored a 5/20 . I was not impressed with the test. Many of the questions were not a simple 'Yes' or 'No' for me. And in some cases, the reasons for my 'Yes' answers had nothing to do with compulsive gambling. I think the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria (for Pathological Gambling) is superior:

A. Persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

(1) is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
(2) needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
(3) has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
(4) is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
(5) gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)
(6) after losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses)
(7) lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
(8) has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling
(9) has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
(10) relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

B. The gambling behavior is not better accounted for by a Manic Episode.

Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth Edition. Copyright 1994 American Psychiatric Association

 

[Mousey]

Crikey, Cheeky! You shouldn't be here!

(and I was concerned because I got 2/20.... )

 

[amatrine]

Re

I had 6/20

Ama

 

[tencardcharlie]

Oh f**k.

For the love of Pete, you need to do something about that

 

[cheekymonkey]

Crikey, Cheeky! You shouldn't be here!

(and I was concerned because I got 2/20.... Sheesh... )

Eeerrrmmm....

I think I'll have a bath and reflect.

 

[Simmo!]

Every gambler should do the occasional 'check up'. Doesn't hurt anything, and it just might help to spot any potential trouble spots.

Precisely Good call squeeky

Problem is, a compulsive gambler who isn't ready to admit it will simply gloss over the important questions and convince themselves they don't. But then like anything, if you ain't ready, you ain't ready The difficult thing to decide is if you did something "once" only, is that a "yes" even though it may be a "never again" ?

 

[Peaceful1]

7/20 here...I just got back from a casino and I almost HATE the fact that they are open 24 hours now (used to shut down at 4am- this used to be my 'control' mechanism, arrive 2-3 hours before closing, then I had no choice BUT to stop when the machines spit out the cashout tickets or coins). Now, I go there (was up to over $500 last night BEFORE even having to go to the ATM) and, instead of leaving like a smart person would, stay, have breakfast, watch the horses work out on the track, and lose it back!! ARGGHH!!

One question on the test that didn't get a yes, was the one that involved family life (I'm at the casino when the kids are asleep (of course have a family member at home with them), and I always bring back stuffed animals from the casino shop every time I go there!! All jokes aside, they are well taken care of and I hope that, for those that scored as "compulsive" as well, that gambling hasn't affected their families, either.

 

[tennis_balls]

no time to take test....got to get back to the casino......

 

[cheekymonkey]

For the love of Pete, you need to do something about that

I realise this.

Been gambling since I was a kid.

It may look bad, but I have a stable job (haven't been out of work since I left school which is 20+ years), I own my home (well nearly - half way through the mortgage), I socialise and have a very close family whom I love dearly.

My job is quite well paid and a lot of my earnings do go online. But it's my money. I earn it and do what I like with it.

I do reflect on it a lot. One day, one day....

 

[slotchik]

I got a 6 out of 20 but those questions are NOT worded correctly...like it was said already...
I use my second job to pay for my hobby if I go...so I don't feel guilty at all.

I used to be a Platinum Player at Harrah's, a Chairman's at my local casino, a Gold at the one in Canada....but they took me off the list because I just don't go like I used to.
What the HELL is wrong with me???!!!!!

 

[KasinoKing]

Blimey - not much of a test!
I play (just about) every day, I answered all the questions honestly and scored...

3/20 !

Though like someone else said - not all questions can be answered Yes or No.
Q5 for example: "Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or to otherwise solve financial difficulties?"

I took that to mean at the present time, so said 'No'.
Of course, that's how I started out over 5-years ago, but since then my gambling has been entirely self-funding, and I cleared all my debts (except the mortgage, of course) within the first 2-3 years.

The test should have been titled: "Are you a problem gambler", not "are you a compulsive gambler" - two completely different things in my book.

Cheeky - I think you lied! If not, get help - now!

 

[Mousey]

I realise this.

Been gambling since I was a kid.

It may look bad, but I have a stable job (haven't been out of work since I left school which is 20+ years), I own my home (well nearly - half way through the mortgage), I socialise and have a very close family whom I love dearly.

My job is quite well paid and a lot of my earnings do go online. But it's my money. I earn it and do what I like with it.

I do reflect on it a lot. One day, one day....

I'm merely concerned, Cheeky. I hope you didn't think I was being condescending. I think of you (and most of the CM 'gang') as friends, and wouldn't want gambling to be a source of unhappiness for you -- or any of my friends.

Some of the questions weren't worded properly, I agree. One in there about not using gambling funds for other things. Well... no... it's for gambling. My gambling money is totally separate from household money. I don't use grocery money for gambling and I don't use gambling money for groceries.

 

[tencardcharlie]

It may look bad, but I have a stable job (haven't been out of work since I left school which is 20+ years), I own my home (well nearly - half way through the mortgage), I socialise and have a very close family whom I love dearly.

I am really glad to hear that cheeky.

Maybe you should consider some counseling(sp?), just to be on the safe side and maybe it could help you enjoy the gambling more. At least it couldn't hurt.

Not saying this to be your online-conscience, just trying to be helpful. Good luck whatever you do

 

[cheekymonkey]

I'm merely concerned, Cheeky. I hope you didn't think I was being condescending. I think of you (and most of the CM 'gang') as friends, and wouldn't want gambling to be a source of unhappiness for you -- or any of my friends.

Hey Mousey, of course I didn't think you were being condescending.

I'm just telling it how it is from a players point of view. I know there are many safe gamblers on here, but I imagine there are a few wreckless ones too, that won't admit it. Yes, I still get unhappy sometimes, especially when I lose but I think that's part of the gambling culture. Gotta take the ups with the downs! I do gamble far too much, so sometimes I like to let off steam in here and talk about it and this is a great place to do it. Lots of like minded individuals and stuff.

The questions that I said yes to are over a 30 year span of hardcore gambling (!).

Actually, you would have thought I would have learned by now though, eh!

Thanks for your concern though.

 

[RobWin]

Precisely Good call squeeky

Problem is, a compulsive gambler who isn't ready to admit it will simply gloss over the important questions and convince themselves they don't. But then like anything, if you ain't ready, you ain't ready The difficult thing to decide is if you did something "once" only, is that a "yes" even though it may be a "never again" ?

Simmo, off topic but I have noticed now for a couple weeks, Why are your posts wider on the forum that everybody else ? Just curious.

 

[cheekymonkey]

Simmo, off topic but I have noticed now for a couple weeks, Why are your posts wider on the forum that everybody else ? Just curious.

It was all the pies he had at ICE.

I haven't noticed it though.

 

[aka23]

Simmo, off topic but I have noticed now for a couple weeks, Why are your posts wider on the forum that everybody else ? Just curious.

It's related to signature width. You'll only notice it with a smaller screen size (not 1024x768).

 

[me_and_ed]

I guess I passed with flying colours.