Most people gamble without harm. For some, though, a hobby slowly turns into a habit that costs more money, time or peace of mind than they planned.
The short self-test below is based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Researchers and UK support services use the same index. Answer each question honestly, thinking about the last 12 months. Your answers stay in your browser and are not sent to us.
The test is not a diagnosis. It is a quick, private way to see whether your gambling may be putting you at risk.
Is gambling still fun for you?
Thinking about the last 12 months, answer all nine questions honestly. The quiz runs only in your browser — your answers are never sent or saved.
How to read your score
Each answer scores from 0 to 3. Add them up for a total between 0 and 27.
| Score | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| 0 | No problem. You gamble with no negative consequences reported. |
| 1–2 | Low risk. Few or no problems so far, but stay alert to the warning signs. |
| 3–7 | Moderate risk. Some negative effects. Now is a good time to set firm limits and talk to someone. |
| 8+ | Problem gambling. Gambling is likely causing harm. Please contact a free support service below. |
Whatever your score, help is free, confidential and available 24/7.
Warning signs to look out for
- Spending more money or time than you planned, more often.
- Chasing losses: depositing again to “win it back”.
- Borrowing money, or using bills or savings money, to gamble.
- Hiding your gambling or lying about it to people close to you.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you are not gambling.
- Gambling to escape stress, boredom or problems.
- Missing work, sleep or family time because of gambling.
Gambana’s safer-gambling tools
Gambana provides the tools that UK-licensed casinos must offer. You can find them in your account settings, usually under “Safer Gambling” or “Responsible Gaming”. If you cannot find one, ask the 24/7 live chat team. Our support guide explains how.
| Tool | What it does | How to set it |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week or month | Account settings → limits; enter an amount |
| Loss limit | Caps your net losses over a period | Account settings → limits |
| Session limit | Ends your session after a set time | Account settings → limits |
| Reality check | Pop-up reminder showing how long you have played | Choose the reminder interval in settings |
| Time-out | Blocks your account for 24 hours to 6 weeks | Choose a period in settings or ask live chat |
| Self-exclusion | Closes access for 6 months or more | Request in settings or via live chat |
| GAMSTOP | Excludes you from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites | Register free with GAMSTOP |
| Account closure | Closes your account | Ask live chat |
Good to know: lowering a limit takes effect instantly. Raising a limit has a 24-hour cooling-off period, so you cannot raise it on impulse. VIP status never overrides these checks. See our VIP guide for details.
Practical habits that keep it fun
- Set a budget first. Decide what you can afford to lose before you log in. Treat it as the price of entertainment.
- Set a time limit. Use a reality check or a phone timer and stop when it goes off.
- Never chase losses. A loss is the cost of the session, not a debt to win back.
- Do not gamble on borrowed money. UK rules only allow debit cards and e-wallets for gambling. Keep it that way in your own budget too.
- Understand bonus terms. Wagering of 10× still means playing through your bonus several times over. Our wagering requirements guide explains this.
- Know the stake limits. Online slots in the UK are capped at £5 per spin, or £2 if you are aged 18–24.
- Take breaks. Do not gamble when you are tired, upset or have been drinking.
- Keep other hobbies. Gambling should be one activity among many.
Affordability checks explained
UK casinos must make sure customers are not gambling beyond their means. As your deposits or losses grow, Gambana may ask for information about your finances. This could be payslips or bank statements, to show where your money comes from. This is a source-of-funds or affordability check.
These checks are a legal requirement, not an accusation. They can pause a withdrawal until they are complete. Our KYC guide explains which documents are usually accepted and how long the review takes.
Where to get free help
| Organisation | What it does |
|---|---|
| GamCare / National Gambling Helpline | Free, confidential advice by phone and live chat. Call 0808 8020 133, 24/7 |
| GambleAware | Information, self-help tools and access to the National Gambling Support Network |
| Gordon Moody | Residential and online treatment programmes for people with gambling problems |
| GAMSTOP | Free national self-exclusion from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites |
| GamBan | Blocking software that stops gambling sites and apps loading on your devices |
Advice for friends and family
Gambling harm affects the people around the gambler too. If you are worried about someone:
- Choose a calm, private moment to talk. Focus on how you feel, not on blame.
- Listen without judging, and avoid lending money that may be used to gamble.
- Protect your own finances. Consider separate accounts if you share money.
- Look after yourself. GamCare and GambleAware support affected others as well as gamblers.
- Encourage, but do not force. Change works best when the person chooses it.
FAQ
Is the self-test result saved or shared?
No. The quiz runs in your browser and we do not store or receive your answers. Read our Privacy Policy for more details.
Can I cancel a Gambana self-exclusion early?
No. Self-exclusion lasts for the full period you choose, at least 6 months, and cannot be reversed early. This protects you during difficult moments. A time-out of 24 hours to 6 weeks is a shorter option.
Does GAMSTOP cover all UK casinos?
GAMSTOP covers all online gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, including Gambana. For extra protection, combine it with GamBan blocking software.
What should I do if my score is 8 or more?
Please talk to someone today. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. It is free, confidential and open 24/7. Think about taking a time-out or self-excluding while you get support.
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