Recognise the Signs

A person’s gambling problem can have serious emotional, physical, social and financial effects on those around them. It’s important not to blame yourself if someone in the family has a gambling problem. You are not responsible for the person’s choice to gamble - and it’s up to that person to decide if they want to make changes to their gambling.

These are some of the more common problems, particularly for partners and family members:

• Stress-related illness
• Physical and emotional abuse
• Feelings of shame and embarrassment
• Depression and anxiety
• Suicidal feelings
• Financial hardship and bankruptcy
• Loss of property and personal items
• Arguments with the person gambling and other family
• Lack of intimacy
• Relationship breakdown
• Social isolation
• Poor work or study performance

How are children affected by a parent’s problem gambling?

Children are very aware of family stress and conflict. Some common responses include: 

• Feeling anxious. Children often feel scared of losing a parent due to separation or divorce
• Feeling depressed. Children can feel powerless in the face of a gambling problem. They may blame themselves that the problem is their fault
• Feeling angry. Children often feel that they cannot trust the parent who is gambling and may feel that it isn’t fair that they and the family suffer
• Poor performance at school. There may be a drop in attitude and behaviour at school, or failure to attend
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Poor health

If you recognise any of these problems then you may benefit from some support and information.

To find out how to get help and support, click here