Which screening tool is widely utilized for assessing gambling issues?

The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is a widely recognized tool specifically designed for assessing gambling issues. It was developed to identify individuals with potential gambling problems based on their gambling behavior and its consequences. The questionnaire includes a series of questions that help professionals gauge the severity and impact of an individual's gambling habits on their life, which makes it highly effective for this purpose.

While other screening tools, such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the Drug Abuse Screening Test, focus on substance use, they are not tailored to address gambling-specific issues. The Problem Gambling Severity Index is also relevant and used to evaluate problem gambling severity; however, the South Oaks Gambling Screen remains one of the most established and commonly administered tools in this area. Its history of use and validation in various settings contribute to its wide adoption in clinical practice for assessing gambling disorders.