How a Parent's Gambling Can Impact an Entire Family

Key Points 

• Gambling can cause financial, emotional and legal issues in families. 

• The impacts of gambling addiction on spouses and children can be devastating in multiple ways. 

• There are higher rates of suicide, bankruptcy and divorce connected to problem gambling. 

• Gambling addiction can be treated with different forms of specialized therapy. 

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Gambling may seem like an individual activity, only affecting the person who chooses to participate in various games and bets. The reality of gambling addiction is more complicated and can be devastating for “affected individuals,” often including family members. 

In a recent story on People.com, a teen recounts their experience with a gambling step-parent who demanded they give their hard-earned savings, so that they could bet it on poker. When they refused, the teen was kicked out of their home by their parents, without a pause for concern. This story sheds light on the real impact gambling addiction can have on families. 

Family impacts of gambling: Stats & trends 

While most research speaks to the impact problem gambling has on an individual, more information is being discovered on how gambling can affect families as a whole. It is important to understand the role families have on the development of gambling, what gambling can do to families and what resources are available for both individuals struggling with gambling and their family members. 

Family finances

Financial difficulties are one of the main impacts of problem gambling. Losses can make it hard for families to provide basic needs such as food, housing or healthcare. Long-term concerns such as lowered credit scores, bankruptcies and delinquent bills may also arise if someone uses those funds to gamble. 

In states that have legalized sports betting, credit scores have dropped approximately 0.3%. States with online betting saw triple the decline in credit scores versus those without online betting, dropping 1%. Instances of bankruptcy also increased up to 30% within the past 3 to 4 years of legalization. Research has indicated a rise in both debt collections and consolidation loans for males in lower-income areas. 

Divorce

Family relationships are often jeopardized when someone is engaging in unhealthy gambling behaviors. In the United States, the divorce rate for those who rarely or do not gamble is 21%, with the rate jumping to 31% for those who gamble regularly. 

Data from the UK revealed that in marriages where one partner was struggling with gambling addiction, 65% ended in divorce. The National Gambling Impact Study commission found that the lifetime divorce rate for problem gamblers is above non-gambling averages, at 53.3%.  

Domestic Violence and Crime

Gambling addiction has been linked to higher rates of intimate partner violence as well. This can be true with online or in-person betting. Research found that an unexpected loss by a local football team resulted in a 10% increase of intimate partner violence in its home market. A study out of the University of Oregon showed that this trend was even higher in states that have legalized sports betting. 

Problem gambling habits have also been linked to higher rates of criminal activity. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities spotlights data linking the correlation between criminality and gambling addiction. It was found that around 50% of problem gamblers commit a crime in their lifetime and that the majority of crimes committed were related to obtaining money to gamble or pay back debts. 

The severity of an individual's gambling addiction impacts their likelihood of committing a crime as well. Almost 70% of those with severe gambling addiction commit a crime, versus 26.3% of those with moderate gambling behaviors. 

Suicide

Gambling addiction often correlates with other mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety. For some, these struggles lead to suicidal thoughts and feelings. Between 17% and 39% of problem gamblers reported having suicidal ideations due to their addiction.  A systematic review of data revealed that debt and shame are two large factors that influence someone’s mental health who is struggling with gambling addiction. These factors may also be reasons why someone does not seek out treatment, even if they are struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings. 

What to do if your dad or mom may have a gambling problem

If you suspect one or both of your parents could be struggling with a gambling problem, there are ways you can help them on the road to recovery. While you cannot force your parents to stop gambling, you can support them in making healthier choices. It is important to communicate your concerns regarding their gambling, without blame, and how it impacts you. You can express your desire to help them and offer to find gambling specific resources or treatment.

Where to turn for help 

Depending on an individual's gambling behaviors, the level of treatment required may vary. Treatment for gambling addiction may include inpatient care, individual or group therapy and peer support groups. Birches Health provides specialized gambling addiction treatment through virtual therapy services. Birches reduces barriers to care by providing convenient and cost-effective treatment from anywhere. 

You can speak with the Birches team at 833-483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com to connect. If you’re ready to find care for your parents and want to book an appointment, simply click here to schedule one right away.

Additionally, GamAnon can help affected individuals with tailored support groups that may be beneficial in addition to individual counseling.