Suspecting Your Partner Has A Gambling Problem

If you think you have a partner with a gambling problem, it can be a difficult thing to grapple with.

Unsure of whether or not their gambling is an issue? The truth is, if you’re asking yourself this question, maybe that’s because it is already a problem or is becoming one.

Are they lying to you?

Have you spotted your partner has lied to you about their gambling? If they are lying, you have to ask yourself why. Are they ashamed of their gambling? Are they spending too much time or money on it?

And if you’ve caught them in one lie, how many other lies have not been found out. This is something you should always be aware of when a partner has a gambling problem.

Money problems when partner has a gambling problem

If your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend or partner has a gambling problem, this can easily lead to financial difficulties. Are they having more trouble with paying their half of the bills? Are they asking you for loans?

Perhaps they’ve taken out new credit cards without consulting you. From spending savings to running up debts, you want to make sure you regain control of the finances and get them help. By regaining control of the finances, you’re protecting yourself as well as them.

In some cases they might even resort to stealing. It’s very important to get help if your loved one starts behaving in these kinds of extreme ways.

Problems at work and studies

If they are constantly struggling at work or with their studies, they might be too focused on gambling. You might notice this in work performance reviews or results on exams. Perhaps your partner is failing to progress at work. Or, indeed, if your partner has lost their job.

Deteriorating mental health

Addiction and poor mental help are intrinsically linked. Increased levels of anxiety, stress, anger, worry. Sleeplessness, restlessness and lots of other things like that can be present in people in the grips of addiction.

Guide your partner to get help for both their mental health and their addiction. You won’t be able to overcome one of these issues without the other being sorted.

Friction in family and social life

If you find yourself fighting more and more with your loved one, it can be a sign that something’s wrong. Often, people with gambling problems lash out to mask how they’re feeling.

They can also become more and more withdrawn, as they spend more time gambling and less time with their friends and family. If your partner has a gambling problem, this might be all the more apparent to you.

A lack of interest in hobbies can also be a sign that gambling is turning into a problem for your loved one.

Getting help for problem gambling

Whether you’re trying to get help for yourself or your partner with a gambling problem, there are many resources that you can avail of to help you. It’s never going to be easy, but with outside support it is more managable.

If you’re based in the United Kingdom, Be Gamble Aware is an invaluable support for both you and your partner. Through this site you can find online resources, as well as support groups and much more. Or if speaking out loud is more your thing, you can give them a call on 0808 8020 133.

If you’re outside of the United Kingdom, you’ll be relieved to know that there are many similar organisations out there that can give you help. This list is a good place to start to find somewhere in your region.

Here are some other responsible gambling articles you might be interested in:

• Looking under the hood of gambling
• Make yourself aware of theses common signs of addiction
• Are we doing enough to stop kids from gambling?
• Taking a little break from gambling: your questions answered
• How self-exclusion works
• Calculating your gaming budget