A reasonably good self-test for Pathological Gambling

[BigBaitsim (milo)]

National Council on Problem Gambling - Self Test

This is a self-test that I think, in general, is a pretty good one. Most tests for "Pathological Gambling," a mental health diagnosis under the current nomenclature, are a bit over-inclusive and would likely put many +EV poker players in the category "pathological."

I think a reasonable adjustment for the +EV poker player would be to look critically at question 1 which refers to spending a lot of time thinking about and planning gambling experiences (which is likely a yes for most 2+2ers), question #2, which discusses increasing stakes (which is the goal of many 2+2ers) and #6, which refers to "returning another day to get even." Of course a +EV gambler does not return the next day to "get even" per se, but I'm not sure this one really applies to daily or near-daily +EV poker players.

If you take this test, do so honestly and without any "+EV Gambler Adjustment." I scored a 3 (yes to 1, 2 &amp; 6), which these folks said was not to the level of "Pathological Gambling," but might indicate past or present problem gambling. I am not terribly concerned about a 3 in my case, but a 4 or 5 would raise red flags if items that are not part of a regular +EV gambler's life are included. More importantly, I would be concerned if a person answered YES to even one question from the following (in white <font color="white"> 4, 5, 8, 9 or 10 </font>).

Enjoy,

Dr. Milo (a real-life clinical psychologist)