How to Help Someone with a Gambling Problem: The Practical & Kind Guide
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
If you’re worried that someone you care about is gambling too much, you’re in the right place.
Gambling problems affect millions of families, and the impact can be heavy-stress, secrecy, money worries and broken trust often follow in their wake.
The good news? People do recover.
And loved ones can play a powerful role in helping them find the right path forward.
Research shows that the most effective approach combines three things: compassionate support, clear boundaries, and professional treatment.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the warning signs to look out for, exactly what to say (with ready-to-use scripts), the do’s and don’ts of helping, and the treatment options proven to work.
Spotting the Warning Signs of Gambling Problems
Problem gambling doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people hide it well, while others show very visible signs.
Still, there are common patterns that families and friends can look out for:
Financial clues
Secret loans or unexplained borrowing
Missed or unpaid bills
Often asking friends or family for money
Selling possessions to cover debts
Behavioural changes
Mood swings, irritability or restlessness
Lying or making excuses to cover up gambling
Avoiding loved ones or withdrawing socially
Seeming preoccupied with betting or odds
Digital habits
Multiple online betting accounts
Constant notifications from gambling apps
Staying up late to gamble
Using VPNs or new accounts to bypass restrictions
Experts note that many people gamble to escape stress, anxiety or depression.
Left unchecked, gambling can spiral into severe financial problems, relationship breakdowns, and even suicidal thoughts.
Recognising these warning signs early gives you the best chance to step in with care and support.
7 Practical Steps for Supporting Someone with a Gambling Problem
Recognise the Signs
Look out for red flags such as chasing losses, being secretive about money, mounting debt, or late-night betting. If you’re spotting several of these, it’s time to act.
Pick Your Moment
Timing matters. Choose a calm, private time with no alcohol or distractions. Avoid confronting them mid-argument or during a gambling episode.
Talk With Empathy
Use supportive language, not blame. Focus on what you’ve noticed and how it makes you feel, rather than accusations. This makes it more likely they’ll listen.
Set Firm Boundaries
Support them emotionally but protect your own finances and relationships. Saying “no” to loans or bailouts isn’t being unkind, it’s protecting both of you.
Encourage Treatment
Evidence shows approaches like motivational interviewing, and family therapy really do help. Share these options gently and keep the door open.
Protect Money & Devices
Ask the bank to enable gambling blocks, use self-exclusion schemes such as GAMSTOP, and install blocking apps on phones and computers. These small steps reduce temptation.
Plan for Setbacks
Relapse can happen it’s part of recovery. Have a clear reset plan: pause, reach out to support, freeze gambling accounts, and get back into treatment as soon as possible.
What to Say (and What Not to Say)
Conversations about gambling can be tense. But studies show that supportive, non-judgemental conversations make a big difference.
Here are some practical scripts you can adapt to your own words and situation:
Opening the conversation:
“I care about you and I’m worried. I’ve noticed missed bills and late-night betting. I’m not here to judge—I want to understand and help.”
If they deny the problem:
“I understand it’s hard to talk about. But here’s what I’ve seen, and how it’s affecting us. I’d like to explore some private options when you’re ready.”
If they ask for money:
“I can’t lend money, but I can help you set up a budget and find professional advice.”
If they relapse:
“Thank you for telling me. Let’s follow our reset plan, freeze the cards, book your next session, and think about what triggered it.”
The key here is to stay calm, stick to the facts, and offer choices rather than ultimatums.
By doing this, you reduce defensiveness and show that your support is real.
Why Families Choose Reset My Future
Traditional inpatient rehab isn’t the only answer.
For many families, the idea of stepping away from work, children, or everyday life just isn’t realistic.
That’s why more and more people are choosing confidential, outcomes-focused care at home.
Reset My Future is here to support both you and your loved one with private, flexible, and effective care that works around your life.
Take the first step today with a confidential assessment and see how Reset My Future can help your loved one from gambling problems move forward.
About the Author
Graeme Alford is the founder of Reset My Future and has been sober for over 40 years. Once a high-functioning alcoholic whose addiction cost him everything—including his career and freedom—Graeme rebuilt his life from the ground up. Today, he leads a one-on-one recovery program that helps people stop drinking, reset their thinking, and start living a life they’re proud of.He holds a Diploma in Alcohol, Other Drugs & Mental Health and has worked with hundreds of clients who want a real alternative to traditional rehab. His approach blends lived experience with evidence-based strategies—and a deep belief that no one is too far gone to change.
