Do you have a gambling problem?

These 20 questions, developed by Gamblers Anonymous, will help you decide if you have a gambling problem. A compulsive gambler will answer yes to seven or more of these questions. If you think you need help, contact the Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling (Ontario) at (519) 254-2112, or 1-888-391-1111.

1. Do you lose time from work due to gambling?

2. Does gambling make your home life unhappy?

3. Does gambling affect your reputation?

4. Do you ever feel remorse after gambling?

5. Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or to otherwise solve financial difficulties?

6. Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?

7. After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?

8. After a win, do you have a strong urge to return and win more?

9. Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?

10. Do you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

11. Do you ever sell anything to finance your gambling?

12. Are you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?

13. Does gambling make you careless about the welfare of your family?

14. Do you ever gam longer than you planned?

15. Do you ever gamble to escape worry or trouble?

16. Do you ever commit, or consider committing an illegal act to finance your gambling?

17. Does gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?

18. Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

19. Do you have an urge to celebrate good fortune by a few hours of gambling?

20. Do you ever consider self-destruction as a result of your gambling?