Worried about your boyfriend's gambling? We're here to help.
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Aug 19, 2024
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08:18 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Aug 21, 2024
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09:08 p.m.
ET
Online sports betting and gambling in the United States have steadily been on the rise since 2018. Nowadays, 38 states allow some form of regulated sports betting, with online options available in 30 of them. However, alongside the rises in accessibility, popularity and normalization, there has been a significant increase in the number of Americans with gambling addiction.
Plus, the financial aspect of betting and gambling isn’t the only risk. Research has found that those activities can have substantial negative impacts on relationships over time as well.
Are you concerned about your loved one’s gambling habits? Is your boyfriend seemingly always on the DraftKings or FanDuel app? Knowing more about gambling addiction and how to approach someone who may have a gambling problem is an important first step.
Warning signs of a gambling problem in a loved one or friend
There are certain warning signs that can indicate that a boyfriend or someone else you know may have a problem with gambling that could warrant professional support.
Signs of a gambling problem can include:
Preoccupation with gambling thoughts
Regularly increasing the amount of money risked when gambling
Inability to stop gambling despite attempts to do so
Using gambling as a coping mechanism to emotional stressors
Lying to people about gambling habits
Prioritizing gambling over other obligations
Financial struggles due to gambling losses
Gambling may also cause relationship issues, both personal or professional. There can also be legal trouble or financial strain on someone who has a gambling problem. Depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts or actions may be a direct result of gambling addiction as well.
Read more in-depth about the signs and symptoms of Gambling Disorder here.
Discussing a potential Gambling Disorder with someone
Bringing up a boyfriend’s or other loved one's gambling behaviors can be an intimidating conversation to have, but it is an important one. When talking to someone about a potential gambling problem, it’s important to remain open with and supportive of them. Do not blame them or become accusatory when talking about how their gambling is affecting their life and those around them.
Try not to lecture them about their gambling, and rather ask them how their gambling has impacted them and if they feel it has reached a point of concern. Only in extreme cases should you put pressure on them to seek help; instead, offer to support them yourself in their journey to recovery.
Helping a gambler in denial
Navigating how to help your boyfriend who is a potential problem gambler can take time and be a delicate process. You may encounter push back from someone who is in denial about their gambling problem, and that can make helping them feel more difficult.
When starting a conversation with someone, use open communication that is non-threatening will create a positive environment for them to think about their habits. It is important for someone to be aware of the negative impact gambling can have on their life.
Having additional support such as a counselor or licensed therapist may help them be more receptive to the conversation. Keeping the conversation about your boyfriend’s situation positive, rather than judgmental, will help them feel supported and encouraged to get help.
Resources and Treatment for gambling problems
There are many resources and treatment options available to those who are looking for support for their own or another’s gambling addiction. There are inpatient and outpatient recovery facilities, where care is administered in-person in a controlled environment. While beneficial for many, specifically those with serious gambling problems, the time commitment of these types of treatment may not be realistic for all.
Birches Health is a behavioral addiction program that provides online telehealth treatment for gambling and sports betting addictions. Birches offers accessible and affordable treatment that can fit into anyone's lifestyle, with flexible scheduling and care from the comfort of home.
Birches offers a free self-assessment test for those who aren’t sure if their betting or gambling is a problem. You can also refer someone else, like a boyfriend, to Birches anonymously and confidentially if you are concerned about their gambling.
Each treatment plan is created on an individual basis, and Birches’ specialized aftercare program helps avoid relapse, with additional digital resources available to pair with traditional therapy.
How to get help from Birches Health:
Or for immediate assistance, you can reach out to Birches Health right away by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com.
Impacts of problem gambling on relationships
Gambling addiction has a negative impact that reaches far beyond the obvious financial consequences. Personal, professional and romantic relationships can all suffer from gambling. Someone who is preoccupied with betting may find their relationships to be strained and distant over time as a result. Gambling can lead to secrecy, trust issues and financial insecurity in a relationship.
Gambling can also result in people pushing their loved ones away in order to continue their harmful behaviors. Professional help to recognize the negative impacts of gambling can help heal relationships and move forward in recovery.
How common is gambling addiction in the United States?
Gambling addiction has become a rapidly growing issue in the United States. Over 2 million adults meet the criteria for severe gambling addiction in a given year, with another 4-6 million meeting the mild to moderate diagnosis criteria.
The accessibility to gambling through online platforms has only increased and therefore increased the exposure to gambling. Gambling has become easier to take part in at a faster rate and more people are dealing with gambling addiction as a result.
Is gambling addiction more common in young Americans?
Gambling has increased in young adults, specifically college aged Americans, due to the accessibility to online betting options. Those under the legal age of 21 (in most states) to bet, still have access to fantasy sports and hybrid fantasy-meets-betting apps that allow them to risk money on the outcomes of sports. Counselors and helplines indicate that they are seeing an ever-increasing number of calls for support and concerns about gambling addiction.
