In the UK, for every person with a gambling problem, around seven other people are affected too, most often family members.
If someone close to you is struggling with gambling, it can be really upsetting. You might feel hurt, angry, worried, or unsure what to do. It can also cause money problems, which can add even more stress.
This page explains how to spot signs of a gambling problem and what you can do to help yourself and your loved ones.
Spotting the Signs
It’s not always easy to tell if someone has a gambling problem. You might not want to believe it, or they might hide it because they feel ashamed or scared.
They may not realise how serious it is, or they might try to fix things by gambling more to win back money they’ve lost.
Steps you Can Take
Here are some suggestions about what you can do if you suspect your loved one has a problem with gambling:
Protecting You and Your Family
You may wish to put in place some safeguards if you are concerned about a loved one’s gambling problem.