Screening tools

The PGSI — the gambling severity test, explained

Updated 2026-07-11 · Grounded in: Ferris & Wynne 2001 (Canadian Problem Gambling Index) · Currie et al. 2013 (PGSI risk categories)

The PGSI — Problem Gambling Severity Index — is a nine-question screen that measures how risky a gambling pattern has been over the last twelve months. It comes from the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, developed by researchers Jackie Ferris and Harold Wynne in 2001, and it has become the standard population measure of gambling risk used by researchers and public-health bodies in many countries.

Unlike older tools built around casino gambling, the PGSI was designed for the general population — it works the same whether the pattern is sports betting, slots, poker, or trading apps that feel like betting.

What the nine questions cover

Four questions ask about the behavior itself: betting more than you could really afford to lose, needing larger amounts for the same excitement, going back another day to win back losses (chasing), and borrowing or selling to get gambling money.

Five ask about consequences: feeling you might have a problem, gambling causing health problems including stress or anxiety, criticism from others, financial problems for you or your household, and guilt about how you gamble.

Each answer scores from 0 (never) to 3 (almost always), so the total runs from 0 to 27.

How the scoring is generally read

A score of zero is generally read as non-problem gambling. Low scores suggest few, mild signs. A middle range is usually read as a moderate level of risk — a pattern worth watching and worth a plan. Higher scores are generally read as problem gambling being likely, where structured support and a professional conversation make sense.

One question deserves special mention: chasing losses — going back another day to win back what was lost — is one of the strongest single warning signs in gambling research. If only one answer in your screen is above "never", that's the one to take seriously.

Honest limits

A screening tool estimates how risky a pattern looks — it cannot diagnose anyone. Only a qualified clinician can do that, with a real conversation.
Scores describe the recent past you reported. They don't define you, and they change when the pattern changes.
An honest result needs honest answers, and it's normal for the first attempt to soften things. The tool works best as a private conversation with yourself.

Take it privately — no name, no account

The free check-in uses the real, validated questions described above. About three minutes, a plain-words result, and a first step that fits it — including an honest pointer to professional care when that's the right answer.

Start the free check-in

Common questions

Is the PGSI a diagnosis?

No — it's a screen that estimates risk level from your last twelve months. A diagnosis of gambling disorder can only be made by a qualified clinician. The PGSI's job is to tell you honestly whether the pattern deserves attention.

What does a PGSI score mean?

In general terms: zero is read as non-problem gambling, low scores as low risk, a middle band as moderate risk worth acting on, and high scores as a level where problem gambling is likely and professional support is the sensible next step. Cut-offs are conventions for populations, not verdicts about a person.

Does the PGSI work for sports betting and trading apps?

Yes. It was written for the general population and asks about the pattern and its consequences, not about any particular game. Betting apps, slots, poker, and trading that feels like betting all fit the same nine questions.

Can I take the PGSI online for free?

Yes — the free check-in here uses the real nine PGSI questions with their standard wording, takes about three minutes, and shows your result privately, without a name or an account.

Why does it ask about the last 12 months?

Twelve months is the standard window the tool was validated on — long enough to see a pattern, recent enough to reflect where you are now. If your gambling changed sharply in recent months, the result is still useful, but keep that change in mind when you read it.

What is 'chasing losses' and why does it matter?

Chasing is returning another day to try to win back money you lost. It matters because it's the engine of most gambling harm — losses drive more gambling, which drives more losses. Research consistently finds it among the strongest early warning signs.

The Mansio is a private wellness, education, and behaviour-change support tool. It is not a medical device, not therapy, and not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. If you're in crisis, call your local emergency number — crisis help is always free and never requires an account.