Responsible Gambling Self-Check

The questions below are inspired by the themes that recognised problem-gambling screens tend to explore, such as chasing losses, borrowing to gamble, loss of control and concealment. Validated clinical screening tools do exist, including resources from the National Council on Problem Gambling and the criteria clinicians use (for example the DSM-5 framework for gambling disorder). This checklist is not one of them, and it cannot replace a professional assessment.

This is not a diagnosis. It is a general self-reflection aid, not a validated clinical instrument, and it cannot tell you whether you have a gambling problem. If anything here worries you, please talk to one of the free, confidential helplines listed on our responsible gambling page.

Questions to ask yourself

Thinking about roughly the last 12 months, would you answer “yes” to any of these?

1. Have you gambled more money than you could comfortably afford to lose?
2. Have you needed to bet larger amounts to feel the same level of excitement?
3. Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost, meaning chasing losses?
4. Have you borrowed money, sold something, or used money meant for bills in order to gamble?
5. Have you felt restless, anxious or irritable when trying to cut down or stop?
6. Have you gambled mainly to escape stress, boredom, loneliness or low mood?
7. Have you hidden your gambling, or been less than honest about how much you gamble?
8. Has gambling affected your sleep, your work or studies, or your relationships?
9. Have you tried to cut back or stop and found that you could not?
10. Have you often felt guilt, shame or regret about your gambling?

What your answers might mean

There is no score here, and a single “yes” does not label you. Treat your answers as a prompt to reflect, not as a verdict.

• No “yes” answers. That is reassuring, though habits can change. It is still worth setting deposit and time limits before you play.
• One or two “yes” answers. This is a good moment to pause, set firmer limits, and keep an eye on the patterns you noticed. Talking things over with a helpline can help you make sense of them.
• Several “yes” answers. Please consider reaching out for support soon. Answering yes to several of these is a common reason people contact a helpline, and doing so early makes a real difference.

Whatever your answers, the next step is the same: talk to people who can help. We will only ever point you toward support, never toward a casino or an offer.

Where to get free, confidential help

• UK: BeGambleAware, National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133.
• US: NCPG, 1-800-GAMBLER.
• Germany / DACH: BZgA “Check dein Spiel”, 0800 1 372 700.
• Anywhere: Gambling Therapy (online) and Gamblers Anonymous (peer meetings).

For full contact details, self-exclusion tools such as GAMSTOP and OASIS, and guidance on setting limits, visit our responsible gambling hub. You must be 18 or over, or the legal age where you live, to gamble. Nothing here is medical or gambling advice.

The Bit Jackpot Responsible Gambling desk keeps this tool aligned with the support resources we list, and it will stay free of offers and advertising.