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Are You Playing Responsibly?

A simple self-assessment can make it easier to notice betting patterns that may otherwise seem manageable or temporary. This page gives you a private way to review your recent behaviour, understand the meaning of your score, and identify support options available in Australia. Below, you will find the PGSI questionnaire, the scoring breakdown, and relevant support services.

Responsible Gambling Questionnaire

This questionnaire is a private self-check based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, or PGSI. It looks at common signs linked to betting habits over the past 12 months. For instance, it asks about spending limits, chasing losses, stress, and money pressure at home. As a result, it can help you spot patterns that may otherwise seem minor or temporary.

Used widely for self-screening, the PGSI is a recognised measure rather than a clinical diagnosis. Answers are scored from 0 to 3 according to frequency. For example, “Never” equals 0, whereas “Almost always” equals 3. In this way, the test provides a clear picture of present behaviour and helps people understand how to play responsibly with greater awareness.

PGSI Assessment Questions

Before you respond, consider your betting history over the previous year, not just the last few weeks. Try to respond honestly and select the option that applies the most frequently. However, one result does not define you. It simply gives you a clearer picture of potential risks:

  1. Did you wager more than you were truly able to lose?
  2. Was it necessary to bet larger sums of money to get the same feeling?
  3. Did you return another time specifically to win back lost money?
  4. Did you borrow money or sell possessions to get funds for betting?
  5. Did you suspect that your wagering activities were becoming a problem?
  6. Did betting lead to health problems, such as anxiety or stress?
  7. Did people tell you that you had a problem or criticise your betting, whether you agreed or not?
  8. Did your betting lead to financial hardship for you or your household?
  9. Did you feel guilty about how you bet or the things that happened as a result?

Scoring and Risk Categories

Each question has four possible responses: never, sometimes, most of the time, and almost always. Each one receives a score of 0, 1, 2, or 3 points. After you have answered all of the questions, the points are totaled. As a result, the overall score can range between 0 and 27.

A result of 0 indicates that the test detected no known symptoms of damage at this time. Scores of one to two indicate a low level of risk. Scores of 3 to 7 indicate a significant risk, while 8 or higher may indicate serious injury. For instance, four “Sometimes” answers would equal 4 points in total.

These scoring groups are intended to guide your next action, rather than place a label on you. If your score is higher than expected, it is wise to review your spending, apply firmer limits, and get support early. You can also read our gambling addiction guide for a broader explanation of warning signs. Meanwhile, immediate help details should appear close to the results for quick access.

What to Do Next?

A score only has meaning when it is used to make a decision. A low result may simply indicate that your current limits are adequate and should be maintained. A moderate result can be a sign to step back, reduce spending, and speak with someone before the pressure builds. A higher result, however, suggests that support should move to the front of the list, especially if betting has started to affect your money, sleep, stress, or close relationships.

The next step after outreach is actually not just contacting any service but rather the right services. Certain organisations are aimed at gambling-related problems, while others will be more suited for crisis reflection, emotional distress, or financial strain. That means the right thing to do is often decided by what’s important at that moment, whether it be counselling, crisis mental health support, or debt and housing cost advice.

The table below brings together Australian support services that may be useful at different points:

Service Availability Phone Website
Gambling Help Online 24/7, Australia-wide 1800 858 858 gamblinghelponline.org.au
BetStop – National Self-Exclusion Register Mon–Fri, 9 am–9 pm AEST/AEDT 1800 238 786 betstop.gov.au
Lifeline 24/7 crisis support 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue Support Service 24/7 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service 24/7 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
National Debt Helpline Mon–Fri, 9:30 am–4:30 pm 1800 007 007 ndh.org.au
13YARN 24/7 13 92 76 13yarn.org.au

You can find more contacts for problem gambling on our dedicated support page. The service hours, phone numbers, and purpose of these services are based on their official Australian websites.

Responsible Gambling Resources