Almost 90% of Americans engage in some form of gambling each year. For many gambling can be a form of recreation, for others gambling can become problematic and even harmful.
Problem gambling is not only harmful to the gambler, for example, loss of financial stability, relationships, job, but can also be harmful to the family unit. This harm may manifest itself into psychological and/or physical danger.
Problem gambling is an addictive disorder characterized by thoughts and behaviors that are increasingly centered around gambling. Problem gamblers may become irritable, agitated, or violent when they cannot gamble. Violence may be more likely when they are confronted by loved ones about their gambling, when they attempt to stop, or when they are unsuccessful.
Research suggests that gambling related violence does occur, and often results in domestic violence incidents particularly at times when gamblers experience financial losses. There is also limited, but growing, international evidence that problem gambling is consistently associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), as well as violence that extends beyond intimate partners into the broader family (Dowling, Suomi, et al., 2016).
Help for the Gambler
- Do not borrow money to gamble.
- Know the odds and the house edge.
- Set a timer to manage time gambling.
- Make an appointment to speak to a licensed counselor at no cost to you.
Help for the Family Member
- Create a safety plan: where to go and who to call in an emergency.
- Inform people you trust about your plan and allow them to help you.
- Safeguard your finances and personal documents.
- Make an appointment to speak to a licensed counselor at no cost to you.
- Nearly 25% of pathological gamblers reported engaging in spousal abuse
- Over 15% of pathological gamblers reported engaging in child abuse
- Children of problem gamblers are two-three times more likely to be abused by a parent than their peers.
- Wives or intimate partners of problem gamblers are 10.5 times more likely to visit an emergency room as a result of being physically assaulted, compared to wives or intimate partners of problem drinkers.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling problem
