10 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Habits

Self-reflection is one of the simplest and most underused tools for staying in control. These ten questions are worth asking yourself honestly, on your own, every so often — no one else needs to see your answers.

1. Have you spent more time or money gambling than you planned to, more than once recently?
2. Have you gambled to relieve stress, sadness, or boredom rather than for entertainment?
3. Have you tried to win back money you've lost by playing more?
4. Have you borrowed money, or used money meant for bills, to keep playing?
5. Have you lied to someone close to you about how much you gamble?
6. Have you felt restless or irritable when trying to cut back?
7. Has gambling caused tension in a relationship or with your work?
8. Do you find yourself thinking about gambling frequently when you're not playing?
9. Have you gambled longer than you meant to on more than one occasion?
10. Would it feel uncomfortable to stop gambling for a month starting today?

What to Do With Your Answers

There's no scoring system here, and one "yes" doesn't mean there's a problem. But if several of these feel uncomfortably familiar, it may be worth using one of the practical tools available — a deposit limit, a cool-off period, or a conversation with an independent support organization.

This Isn't a Diagnosis

These questions are drawn from common indicators used in responsible gambling awareness, not a clinical assessment. If you want a fuller picture, independent organizations offer confidential, professional screening — see our Responsible Gambling page for contacts.

Key Takeaways

• Occasional honest self-checks help catch shifting habits early.
• Multiple "yes" answers are worth acting on, not ignoring.
• Practical tools and independent support are both available if you want them.