Concerned about someone else's gambling?
If someone you care about has a problem with gambling it can be very stressful. A range of no-cost services including phone and face-to-face counselling are available for family members and significant others. Talking it through with someone is a great way of getting support and advice through a tough time.
View a list of available help options.
What common signs of problem gambling should I watch out for?
Some signs that indicate gambling could be a problem:
- They are spending more and more time or money gambling.
- There are repeated ATM withdrawals.
- They become agitated when gambling, or after a gambling session.
- They have lost interest in other activities and socialising.
- They drink while gambling.
- Their children are left unattended while they are gambling.
- They have been dipping into savings.
How do I know if they are hiding their gambling problem?
Someone with a gambling problem might try to cover it up by:
- Offering excuses to explain how they have lost money.
- Hiding bank statements.
- Coming up with excuses to explain why they haven't been around.
Why do they gamble?
Often when people find out that someone they care about is gambling they can feel betrayed and lose trust in the person who's gambling. It's important to understand that people who have a gambling problem can experience strong physical reactions similar to other addictions. They can experience highs similar to those experienced by drug users and can have strong urges to gamble relating to their physical longing for the 'high'. Often the person gambling has no idea why this is happening.
How can I support them?
It can be really hard to talk to someone about their gambling problem, but there is support available.
What about me?
The family members and loved ones of problem gamblers also experience distressing feelings as a result of gambling such as shock, confusion, betrayal, fear, grief, guilt and anger. It's important to look after yourself too.
You are likely to be experiencing stress which has both physical and emotional effects, so you might want to get a general health check up from your GP.
Your may also want to get some financial or legal advice if you are concerned about your financial situation, or you could contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB).
Contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau.
You might like to consider talking to a counsellor to work through some of these feelings. Your counsellor will also be able to help you work out strategies for talking with the person about their gambling. You could also ask your counsellor to help you organise budgeting or legal advice if you are concerned about your financial situation.
Find out more
The Gambling Helpline produces a range of self-help that provide some excellent information to get you started.
Download the PDF - 'Concerned about someone's gambling?' brochure.