New members coming into a Gamblers Anonymous room for the first time are asked these 20 questions, for either a simple Yes or No response.

 

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?

 

2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

 

3. Did gambling affect your reputation?

 

4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

 

5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?

 

6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?

 

7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?

 

8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

 

9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?

 

10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

 

11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?

 

12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?

 

13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?

 

14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?

 

15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness?

 

16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?

 

17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

 

18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

 

19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?

 

20. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

 

Most compulsive gamblers will answer 'Yes' to at least 7 of these questions.

 

Our recovery is based on a willingness to bring about certain personality changes within ourselves. We recognize that together we can bring about these changes. Separately we could not. This conclusion has resulted in our joining together in group meetings. We try to conduct these meetings in a manner that will enable us to have an orderly exchange of ideas, recognizing that the important thing is to share our experience and strength with each other. We learn the importance of honesty with ourselves and each other. We try to practice tolerance and openmindedness, and we are always ready to carry the message to the compulsive gambler who still suffers.

 

If you have a gambling problem, our hearts and our hands go out to you. Our experience has shown us that together we can survive and find a good life. Divided, we can hope for little. We hope you will join us.