Overview

The Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) is a 31-item measure used for screening purposes to determine whether a person in the general population may have a gambling problem. The CPGI asks questions about an individual's gambling habits from four categories:

1. An individual's involvement in gambling;
2. Problem gambling behaviour;
3. The consequences they (or others) experience as a result of his/her problem gambling; and
4. Correlates of problem gambling.

The goal of the CPGI was to create a more meaningful measure of problem gambling to use in general population surveys that includes indicators of the social and environmental context. Indeed, the CPGI was tested and validated in a general population and was able to accurately measure who was a problem gambler and who was not.

Key Points

Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) The PGSI, developed in Canada (Ferris & Wynne, 2001), is an abbreviated version of the original tool called the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. It contains nine items rather than the original 31. Patients can use the PGSI as a self-screening tool, or primary care providers can can use it as part of the. 2007 Adult Gambling Prevalence Study - Nova Scotia.

The CPGI is used in Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, and Tasmania. Like any instrument, the CPGI is based on a specific definition of harmful gambling. Today many researchers have different opinions on the definition of harmful gambling. In order to fit these new definitions researchers modify, add, or remove questions, which may affect the reliability of the questionnaire. Regardless, the CPGI is still one of the most used instruments to measure harmful gambling in the general population.

References

Canadian Problem Gambling Index Definition

McCready, J., & Adlaf, E. (2006). Performance and enhancement of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI): Report and recommendations. Prepared for: Inter-provincial Funding Partners for Research Into Problem Gambling.

Canadian Problem Gambling Severity Index

Svetieva, E., & Walker, M. (2008). Inconsistency between concept and measurement: the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI). Journal of Gambling Issues, 157-173.