Unfortunately there is no real scoring key for the DSM-IV assessment tool.  Based on careful research and clinical experience, the authors of this symptom list decided that five or more positive, or "yes" responses indicates a diagnosis of Pathological gambling.  However, there was a lot of discussion about the number of symptoms needed and some of the authors felt strongly that four symptoms was sufficient. 

People who endorse 1-4 symptoms may be Problem gamblers rather than Pathological gamblers, however the authors of this list of symptoms did not discuss the number of symptoms that are indicative of problem gambling so this needs to be evaluated in person by a clinician.

(see the types of gamblers section (click here: Types of gamblers) for more details.

Again, I would like to reiterate that the issue of making a diagnosis can be very complex. I have seen some patients who did not endorse five symptoms and yet clearly had the diagnosis.  For example, a gambler who is dishonest about their gambling, borrows money from many people or institutions, and has had a financial bailout from someone; in this situation the gambler do not meet the criteria, but they may be a pathological gambler or on their way to becoming pathological gambler.