I used to think I was fine because I never gambled money I couldn't technically afford to lose. That's the standard advice, right? But problems don't always show up in your bank account first—they show up in your behavior, your emotions, and how much control you really have.

This simple quiz helped me spot patterns I'd been making excuses for. It's built on real warning signs that addiction specialists look for, not the feel-good "responsible gambling" messaging casinos push. Answer honestly—your future self might thank you for it.

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Rate Yourself: 10 Key Questions

1. How often do you bet more than originally planned during a session?

- Never or rarely (1 point)

- Sometimes, maybe 25% of sessions (2 points)

- Often, 50%+ of sessions (3 points)

- Almost always (4 points)

2. Have you lied about gambling losses to family or friends?

- Never (1 point)

- Once or twice about small amounts (2 points)

- Multiple times or significant amounts (3 points)

- Regularly (4 points)

I scored 3 on question 1 for months before admitting it was a pattern. Starting with $50 and ending down $200 became normal, not exceptional.

3. How often do you gamble to escape problems or stress?

- Never—entertainment only (1 point)

- Occasionally when stressed (2 points)

- Regularly as stress relief (3 points)

- Primary coping mechanism (4 points)

4. Ever blown off work, friends, or family because you were gambling?

- Never (1 point)

- Once or twice (2 points)

- Several times (3 points)

- Multiple areas affected (4 points)

Missing my nephew's birthday because I was "running good" was my wake-up moment.

5. When you try to take a break from gambling, how does it go?

- Always stick to breaks (1 point)

- Usually successful (2 points)

- Often fail to stick to planned breaks (3 points)

- Just can't stop when I try (4 points)

6. What happens when you can't get to a casino or gambling site?

- Indifferent—plenty of other activities (1 point)

- Mildly disappointed but fine (2 points)

- Restless, frequently think about gambling (3 points)

- Anxious, irritated, uncomfortable (4 points)

I tried taking two weeks off from gambling three separate times. Failed every single attempt. That's when I started wondering if I had less control than I thought.

If these patterns worry you, switching to risk-free versions might help clarify your relationship with gambling. Sites like pragmatic play let you get the same gaming experience without money involved—which quickly reveals whether you're playing for fun or something else entirely.

7. What's gambling done to your personal relationships?

- No negative impact (1 point)

- Minor occasional tension (2 points)

- Regular arguments or concern from others (3 points)

- Hurt or lost important relationships (4 points)

8. Are you upfront about your gambling with the people who matter to you?

- Open about gambling (1 point)

- Don't volunteer details but answer honestly (2 points)

- Actively avoid discussing it (3 points)

- Lie or hide the extent (4 points)

9. Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or used credit specifically to gamble?

- Never (1 point)

- Once in unusual circumstances (2 points)

- Multiple times (3 points)

- Regular pattern (4 points)

10. What percentage of discretionary income goes to gambling?

- Less than 5% (1 point)

- 5-15% (2 points)

- 15-25% (3 points)

- More than 25% (4 points) 

Your Score

10-15 points: Low risk. Gambling appears recreational and controlled.

16-25 points: Moderate risk. Monitor patterns and consider stricter limits.

26-35 points: High risk. Multiple warning signs present. When multiple risk factors are present, self-exclusion becomes an important consideration. Platforms like mystake fr and similar sites offer responsible gaming tools including self-exclusion options—valuable resources for those serious about addressing gambling concerns.

36-40 points: Very high risk. Professional help recommended.

Warning Signs I Missed

Chasing emotions, not money: I thought I was fine because I never chased losses financially. But I was chasing the winning feeling—that brief euphoria required bigger risks over time.

Progression creep: $10 bets became $25 bets so gradually I didn't notice. Account history revealed patterns I couldn't see day-to-day.

Isolation justification: I convinced myself gambling alone was "more focused" when really I was avoiding judgment.

What This All Means

Gambling problems don't happen overnight—they build gradually and can catch anyone off guard. Spotting the signs early makes a huge difference because you have way more options for getting help before things get worse.

If any of this hit close to home, there are people who can help: National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-522-4700), Gamblers Anonymous meetings, self-exclusion programs, and free counseling in most states.

The toughest part isn't realizing you might need help—it's asking for it before you absolutely have to.