Do You Know Anyone With a Gambling Problem? Here’s How You Can Help

You’ve probably gambled yourself at some point in your life or maybe you’re an avid National Lottery or EuroMillions player, purchasing a ticket every week. Perhaps you like the odd scratch card – or you place a bet on the horses now and then. It could be that you frequent bingo once a month with friends. Whatever gambling you do, it should always be fun, it should never drain your finances, and neither should it cause you stress. 

Most adults are responsible when they gamble, but what about those that find gambling takes over their lives? Maybe you live with someone who’s developed a compulsive gambling habit. Or do you have a friend you worry about because they seem to spend a lot of time online – trying to win it big on casino platforms? What can you do to help?

Be Brave and Step In!

Firstly, if you do have concerns about someone’s gambling, then you should step in, but you might find that your words aren’t welcome. Not many people like to admit they have a problem, admitting it to themselves is the first step to fighting against gambling addiction. If it’s a partner and their gambling habit is getting out of control, then it’s likely to be affecting your life too. It’s important to be sure that there is a problem so if you notice any of the following, your suspicions are probably spot on. 

Signs of Compulsive Gambling

• Most income is spent on gambling activities.

• Depression, anger, hopelessness.

• Gambling online whenever there’s free time, increasingly spending more time gambling.

• An inability to stop gambling.

• Trying to hide gambling from you and from others.

• Stealing and lying.

• Asking to borrow money to pay things off.

If any of the above resonates, then the best thing you can do is calmly and kindly ask the person in question if they think they might have a gambling problem. You might not get the answer you need, and you should be prepared that might also create a difficult situation, but if you’re non-confrontational, calm, and kind then you open the door to the person to talk to you about anything troubling them. 

They Are Not Alone

You can also remind them that they are not alone, there are 430,000 compulsive gamblers in the UK. You are not alone either, there are 3.6 million people in the UK affected by someone else’s addiction.

Top Tips On How to Talk to Someone With a Gambling Problem

Even if the person doesn’t want to discuss their problem, encourage them to think about what you’ve asked and tell them there are certain things you can put into place to help them. Here are some top tips when talking to someone you suspect has a gambling compulsion:

• Be honest if you’re not honest about how you’re feeling, then the person won’t be. If their gambling problem is affecting you – tell them.

• Be supportive and kind yet concerned, and avoid aggression or being judgmental.

• Tell them why you think they have a problem, sometimes people are relieved to be able to talk about what’s troubling them.

• Reiterate that you care very much about that person and tell them you’re willing to help them find the resources they need to fight their problem.

The Help Available for Gambling Addiction

You can also put into place some help too. The NHS has gambling clinics in various locations around the UK, and these clinics are not just for people with addiction – they’re also for family and friends of people who are addicted. More information can be found here.

There’s also Gamcare which is designed for gambling addicts. There’s a helpline and live chat. Plus, there are forums where people share their experiences. Perhaps email the information to your friend or family member – even if they’re in denial, having it there readily available may trigger them to take action. Gamcare has plenty of free resources online, and there’s even a section on money management to help get out of debt if there’s any incurred.

Final Words

Just by being supportive, caring, and available to your friend and family members, you will be helping. Remember, any form of addiction takes time to deal with – it won’t happen overnight but just encouraging someone to recognize they have a problem opens up the pathway to recovery.