Abstract
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a widely used nine item scale for measuring the severity of gambling problems
in the general population. Of the four gambler types defined by the PGSI, non-problem, low-risk, moderate-risk and problem
gamblers, only the latter category underwent any validity testing during the scale’s development, despite the fact that over
95% of gamblers fall into one of the remaining three categories. Using Canadian population data on over 25,000 gamblers, we
conducted a comprehensive validity and reliability analysis of the four PGSI gambler types. The temporal stability of PGSI
subtype over a 14-month interval was modest but adequate (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.63). There was strong evidence
for the validity of the non-problem and problem gambler categories however the low-risk and moderate-risk categories showed
poor discriminant validity using the existing scoring rules. The validity of these categories was improved with a simple modification
to the scoring system.
in the general population. Of the four gambler types defined by the PGSI, non-problem, low-risk, moderate-risk and problem
gamblers, only the latter category underwent any validity testing during the scale’s development, despite the fact that over
95% of gamblers fall into one of the remaining three categories. Using Canadian population data on over 25,000 gamblers, we
conducted a comprehensive validity and reliability analysis of the four PGSI gambler types. The temporal stability of PGSI
subtype over a 14-month interval was modest but adequate (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.63). There was strong evidence
for the validity of the non-problem and problem gambler categories however the low-risk and moderate-risk categories showed
poor discriminant validity using the existing scoring rules. The validity of these categories was improved with a simple modification
to the scoring system.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-17
- DOI 10.1007/s10899-012-9300-6
- Authors
- Shawn R. Currie, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- David C. Hodgins, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- David M. Casey, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Journal Journal of Gambling Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-3602
- Print ISSN 1050-5350