Screening for gambling is encouraged in clinical settings with a high likelihood of gambling harm among clients presenting for treatment, such as general practices, mental health services, alcohol and other drug services, and family violence services.
As a psychologist, it is important for you to identify gambling-related issues through asking direct questions about gambling, using validated screening and assessment tools, and referring to specialists when needed.
What questions should I ask?
When raising the topic of gambling with a client, you should anticipate reluctance and avoid negative statements such as “Do you have a problem with gambling?”.
It is recommended to:
- Introduce gambling screening routinely
- Use an opening statement such as “A lot of people like to gamble. What about you?”
- Ask about recreational activities: “What do you do for fun?”
- Ask permission when you raise the issue of money: “Would it be ok if I asked you how much money you might spend on gambling?”
What screening and assessment tools can I use?
There are many validated screening tools to help you assess gambling severity and carry out a thorough evaluation of a client’s gambling history, frequency, associated harms, motivations and other factors.
You are also encouraged to screen for urgent issues related to harmful gambling, including suicide ideation and family violence, that may require immediate treatment or referral.
Tools to detect both problem and at-risk gambling include:
Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)
The PGSI is a tool commonly used in gambling treatment and research. It helps to identify people at risk of gambling harm.
Your client can fill out the PGSI online. The higher their score, the more likely it is that their gambling is a problem.
Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS)
The BBGS is a shorter, simpler screening tool you can use with clients to determine if they should have a more comprehensive screen. If your client answers yes to any of these 3 questions, they may be at risk of developing a gambling problem:
- During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?
Yes No - During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
Yes No - During the past 12 months, did you have such financial trouble that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends, or welfare?
Yes No
Gebauer, L., LaBrie, R. A. and Shaffer, H. J. (2010). Optimizing DSM IV classification accuracy: a brief bio-social screen for detecting current gambling disorders among gamblers in the general household population. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 55(2): 82-90.
G 8 – Online Screening Tool
The G 8 – Online Screen tool is an 8-question screening tool that your client can complete online.
Lie/Bet Questionnaire
The Lie/Bet Questionnaire is a short two question screening tool selected from DSM-IV. It is useful in determining if a longer screening tool or further assessment is appropriate.
- Have you ever bet more than you intended to?
- Have you lied to others to conceal the extent of your gambling?
NODS-CLiP
The NODS-CLiP is a three-item screening tool to help identify pathological and problem gambling. Further assessment is advised if your client answers Yes to one or more questions.
- Have there ever been periods lasting 2 weeks or longer when you spent a lot of time thinking about your gambling experiences or planning out future gambling ventures or bets?
- Have you ever tried to stop, cut down, or control your gambling?
- Have you ever lied to family members, friends, or others about how much you gamble or how much money you lost on gambling?
Volberg RA, Munck IM, Petry NM (2011). A quick and simple screening method for pathological and problem gamblers in addiction programs and practices. Am J Addict. May-Jun;20(3):220-7.
NODS-PERC
The NODS-PERC is a four-item screening tool to help identify pathological and problem gambling. Further assessment is advised if your client answers Yes to one or more questions.
- Have there ever been periods lasting 2 weeks or longer when you spent a lot of time thinking about your gambling experiences or planning out future gambling ventures or bets?
- Have you ever gambled as a way to escape from personal problems?
- Has there ever been a period when, if you lost money gambling one day, you would return another day to get even?
- Has your gambling ever caused serious or repeated problems in your relationships with any of your gamily members or friends?
Volberg RA, Munck IM, Petry NM (2011). A quick and simple screening method for pathological and problem gamblers in addiction programs and practices. Am J Addict. May-Jun;20(3):220-7.
