Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS)

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The BBGS is a 3-item screening tool designed to identify potential gambling-related problems in adults. It is quick to administer and aligns with DSM-IV criteria for gambling disorder, making it a practical first step for determining whether a more in-depth assessment is warranted.

Recommended Frequency: Administer at intake when gambling is suspected or disclosed. May be repeated periodically in addiction or mental health settings, especially when monitoring changes in behavior or risk.

About the BBGS

Developed by the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance, the BBGS is based on the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling. It screens for three core domains:

  1. Neuro-adaptation (tolerance/withdrawal-like symptoms)
  2. Psychosocial problems caused by gambling
  3. External consequences (e.g., legal or financial issues)

Each item is answered as yes or no, with one or more “yes” responses indicating potential risk and the need for follow-up.

Psychometric Properties

The BBGS has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in identifying individuals at risk of gambling problems:

  • Sensitivity: ~96%
  • Specificity: ~92%
  • Validated in general population and gambling treatment samples
  • Easy to use across clinical and public health settings
Source: Gebauer, LaBrie & Shaffer, 2010

The Scale

The BBGS includes 3 yes/no questions:

  1. During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?
  2. During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
  3. During the past 12 months, did you have financial trouble due to gambling that required help from family, friends, or welfare?

A “yes” to any item indicates a positive screen.

Score Range

  • 0: No immediate concern
  • 1–3: Positive screen – further evaluation or referral recommended

The BBGS is intended as a screening tool and not a diagnostic measure.

Copyright

© 2009, Howard J. Shaffer, Harvard Medical School. Cambridge Health Alliance. Freely distributed by the Division on Addiction at Harvard Medical School for public health and clinical use. Used with permission.

References

  1. Gebauer, L., LaBrie, R. A., & Shaffer, H. J. (2010). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS). Assessment, 17(4), 517–528. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191110382842
  2. Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance. (n.d.). Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS). https://www.divisiononaddiction.org/bbgs/

Disclaimer

This summary is for informational purposes only. The BBGS is a brief screening tool and is not intended to diagnose gambling disorder. HiBoop does not interpret BBGS scores. Clinical follow-up is required when a positive screen is observed.

Permissions

The BBGS may be used and reproduced for non-commercial clinical, research, and educational purposes with appropriate attribution. No licensing is required for public health use.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can the BBGS be self-administered?

    Yes, it is designed for either self-report or clinician-led screening.

  • Is the BBGS still valid with DSM-5?

    Yes. While based on DSM-IV, it remains clinically relevant and is supported by current research.

  • What happens if a patient scores 1 out of 3?

    Any score of 1 or more suggests clinical follow-up is needed.