www.gambler-addiction-index.com

The Gambler Addiction Index (GAI) is designed for gambler assessment, screening or testing. The GAI has been standardized on people in treatment for gambling, probationers on gambler caseloads, and outpatient gambler groups. The GAI is an automated (computer scored) self-report assessment instrument or test that consists of 166 items and takes 30 to 35 minutes to complete. The GAI is written at a high 5th to low 6th grade reading level. From test data (answers) input, GAI’s are computer scored with reports printed on-site within 2 ½ minutes.

Problem gambling is clinically defined as an impulse control disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition). The GAI contains a reformatted DSM-IV Gambling Scale. Problem gamblers have strong impulses to gamble despite harmful life consequences. In addition, the GAI contains a Gambling Severity Scale that measures gambling intensity. These two GAI scales codetermine a meaningful gambler profile. No other gambler test incorporates these two gambling measures or scales.

Another unique GAI feature is its Truthfulness Scale. Gamblers are notorious liars. When asked about their gambling, most problematic gamblers attempt to rationalize their gambling, deny extensive gambling involvement or attempt to minimize it. In other words when assessing gamblers the evaluator needs to know if the client was honest and truthful. No other gambler test contains a Truthfulness Scale.

Seven GAI Measures

The Gambler Addiction Index (GAI) contains seven scales or measures: 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Gambling Severity Scale, 3. DSM-IV Gambling Scale, 4. Alcohol Scale, 5. Drugs Scale, 6. Suicide Scale and 7. Stress Coping Abilities (Stress Management) Scale. These GAI Scales (measures) embody areas of inquiry considered by many as necessary for gambler understanding.

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