The higher your score, the greater the risk that your gambling is a problem. Score of 0 = Non-problem gambling. Score of 1 or 2 = Low level of problems with few or no identified negative consequences. Score of 3 to 7 = Moderate level of problems leading to some negative consequences. Resulting classifications were compared to those derived using the Problem Severity Gambling Index (PGSI) of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI). There was considerable overlap in classification at the problem gambler level but less so at the risk levels where FLAGS. To the Canadian Problem Gambling Index that was developed by Ferris and Wynne (2001) for adults, in that it is designed to provide a continuum of problem gambling severity (Stinchﬁeld 2010) from non-problem gambling to high risk problem gambling. The psychometric properties of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, including the nine-item Problem Gambling Severity Index, are described in detail in the Phase II report available on the Canadian.

Overview

The Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) is a 31-item measure used for screening purposes to determine whether a person in the general population may have a gambling problem. The CPGI asks questions about an individual's gambling habits from four categories:

An individual's involvement in gambling;
Problem gambling behaviour;
The consequences they (or others) experience as a result of his/her problem gambling; and
Correlates of problem gambling.

The goal of the CPGI was to create a more meaningful measure of problem gambling to use in general population surveys that includes indicators of the social and environmental context. Indeed, the CPGI was tested and validated in a general population and was able to accurately measure who was a problem gambler and who was not.

Key Points

The CPGI is used in Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, and Tasmania. Like any instrument, the CPGI is based on a specific definition of harmful gambling. Today many researchers have different opinions on the definition of harmful gambling. In order to fit these new definitions researchers modify, add, or remove questions, which may affect the reliability of the questionnaire. Regardless, the CPGI is still one of the most used instruments to measure harmful gambling in the general population.

References

Canadian Problem Gambling Index Scoring Rules

McCready, J., & Adlaf, E. (2006). Performance and enhancement of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI): Report and recommendations. Prepared for: Inter-provincial Funding Partners for Research Into Problem Gambling.

Svetieva, E., & Walker, M. (2008). Inconsistency between concept and measurement: the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI). Journal of Gambling Issues, 157-173.

The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is the standardised measure of at risk behaviour in problem gambling. It is a tool based on research on the common signs and consequences of problematic gambling. Assessing where your client is now can help you make informed decisions on how to assist them.

How does it work?
The PGSI quiz asks participants to self-assess their gambling behaviour over the past 12 months by scoring themselves against nine questions. The response options attract the following scores:
- never (score: 0)
- rarely (score: 1)
- sometimes (score: 1)
- often (score: 2)
- always (score: 3)
The categories are:
- non-problem gambler
- low-risk gambler
- moderate-risk gambler
- problem gambler.
It is important to note that categorisation through the PGSI is not the same as clinical diagnosis, which requires assessment by a clinician.
Screens similar to the PGSI are also used to investigate other health issues, such as alcoholism and anxiety.
What do the categories mean?
Non-problem gambler - Score: 0
- Non-problem gamblers gamble with no negative consequences.
Low-risk gambler - Score: 1–2
- Low-risk gamblers experience a low level of problems with few or no identified negative consequences. For example, they may very occasionally spend over their limit or feel guilty about their gambling.
Moderate-risk gambler - Score: 3–7
- Moderate-risk gamblers experience a moderate level of problems leading to some negative consequences. For example, they may sometimes spend more than they can afford, lose track of time or feel guilty about their gambling.
Problem gambler - Score: 8 or above
- Problem gamblers gamble with negative consequences and a possible loss of control. For example, they may often spend over their limit, gamble to win back money and feel stressed about their gambling.

Take your client through the PGSI quiz

Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Have you gone back on another day to try to win back the money you lost?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Have you borrowed money or sold anything to gamble?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Have people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem, whether or not you thought it was true?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways
Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?NeverSometimesMost of the timeAlways

You experience few, if any issues with your gambling.

You could be starting to experience some issues with your gambling.

Canadian Problem Gambling Index Scoring Calculator

Canadian Problem Gambling Index Scoring Interpretation

You are experiencing issues with your gambling on a regular basis and it’s time to take action.