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A New Year. Are you concerned about someone’s gambling? Learn how to be prepared to help a spouse, family member or friend of a person with a gambling problem. 

How to Canadian Problem Gambling Solution Possibilities & Resources

If you are a spouse, family member or friend of a person with a gambling problem, it is natural to want to help. Be prepared – they may not be ready, or willing, to admit that there is a problem. While the gambling may be negatively affecting you and your family, you can’t force someone to stop.  

What is Problem Gambling? Problem gambling is gambling that is done excessively and negatively affects other areas of a person’s life, such as their physical or mental health, school or work performance, finances, and/or interpersonal relationships.

Signs You May Have A Problem With Gambling

Signs Someone You Know May Have A Problem With Gambling

Before you raise the issue…

• How to get informed: Understand the problem first. Research problem gambling on websites like www.responsiblegambling.org.
   
• How to be prepared: If there is a chance of violent or abusive behaviour, exercise caution. Get a support system in place – family, friends, clergy or counsellor.
   
• How to choose the right moment: If the person is expressing remorse about gambling, or has just finished a gambling episode, this may be a good time to talk.  

Raising your concerns…

• Use an “I” point of view: Express feelings with “I feel” or “I think”. The listener will feel less defensive and an argument will be less likely.
  
  
• Remain calm: Keep a cool head when talking about the person’s gambling and other hot button issues like family finances.
  
  
• Negotiate and set firm boundaries: Make clear your expectations about future gambling, managing finances and responsibilities.

After the conversation…

• How to support positive changes: Recognize and acknowledge positive steps and give praise for successes.
  
  
• How to get help for yourself: A counsellor or a self help group can help you to communicate effectively, reduce your guilt and raise your self-esteem.
  
  
• How to remember that change takes time: It may take several tries before the person successfully changes their gambling behaviour.

When talking about problem gambling, take a look at these how to Do's and Don'ts tips for spouses, partners and other family members.  

The above information in its entirety may be found on the Responsible Gambling Council’s website. RGC is an independent, non-profit organization committed to problem gambling prevention.  

Canadian & International Problem Gambling Resources. All services are free and confidential.