Family and Friends

Overview

Harmful gambling has negative effects on the family members of problem gamblers. Specifically, the partners and children of a person with gambling problems may report a number of related, secondary symptoms such as negative effects on their financial security, their emotional, mental and physical health, and on their relationships. Evidence suggests that excessive gambling is related to both family violence and child maltreatment.

Key Points

Partners of problem gamblers commonly experience mental health issues, such as anger, emotional distress, and depression. Female partners of problem gamblers are more likely to think about or try to commit suicide, have substance abuse problems, spend impulsively, and experience physical symptoms of stress. Children of problem gamblers are more likely to experience mental health issues such as stress, addiction, anxiety, and depression. In addition, children of problem gamblers report trauma, neglect, and strain on their home life, such as relationship problems and financial concerns.

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Reference

Nower, L., Blaszczynski, A., Choi, K. & Glynn, J. (2015). State of evidence: Adverse effects of disordered gambling on individuals and families.