Gambling addiction can be a debilitating problem, and it is only getting worse, with increasing numbers of gamblers having access to even more platforms through their phone and computer.

While it is unreasonable to restrict the many responsible gamblers out there from playing the games they love, it can be hard to support those who have genuine issues to avoid temptation.

This is particularly true in today’s digital age, with rising revenues of online gambling platforms a testimony to the popularity of this accessible form of gambling. 

With smartphones, tablet computers and laptops now increasingly common, it’s harder than ever to restrict an individual’s access to some form of gambling, which means that you need to think practically in order to provide them with the support they need. 

For anyone who knows and loves someone who has a gambling problem, here are some practical tips on how you can support them through this challenge.  Have a specialists contact and have them checked, it’s a way of supporting them in small simple ways.

Talk To Them

The moment you notice that someone you love is struggling with a gambling problem, you need to be open and talk to them about it. Speak clearly and calmly, and make it obvious that you still love and respect them even if they are having a problem.

Try to create an open and honest dialogue around their gambling issues, so that you can devise strategies to combat the problem together. If you’re not able to get them to open up, then try reaching out to someone else in their inner circle, who may be in a better position to have this discussion. 

Avoid Playing Games Around Them

It can be hard for individuals who are struggling with gambling problems to be around someone who is playing the games they used to love. You don’t have to stop playing altogether; you just need to keep this out of the notice of the person you’re supporting. 

If you share devices, and they have put restrictions in place, such as Gamstop, then you can get around this by checking out the range of non-Gamstop bingo sites. The Best Casinos has a full list, so you can easily find bingo and slot games that aren’t on Gamstop. Make sure that you don’t bookmark these sites, and that you clear your history after every session so that you can enjoy your gameplay without tempting your friend or family member. 

Take Them To Support Groups

Often, addicts and those with mental health problems struggle to connect with and open up to those closest to them, because these individuals haven’t experienced the same issues. Local support groups can help, as they can talk to the individual in a safe environment about the problems they are facing.

As the group leaders and members all have experience with gambling problems, they will be able to offer advice and guidance, which is based on first-hand knowledge. This support can be incredibly valuable, particularly if most of the gambler’s family are inexperienced and do not fully understand what is happening. 

Help Them Create Healthy Habits

Addicts often need to replace their addiction with another habit, so it’s important that you help your friend or family member to find a healthy habit to replace gambling, which is a harmful habit. This new habit might be playing online games that don’t have in-app payment options, watching sporting events where gambling isn’t permitted, or something totally unrelated, such as taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill or even getting a pet. 

Whatever new habit you choose, it’s important that you make sure that it is healthy and won’t give them the chance to return to gambling. For example, if they want to learn to play a sport, then make sure it isn’t one that revolves around betting, such as boxing. Instead, try to find them a local team, so that they will have lots of support around them and are able to make new friends in a healthy, sociable way. 

Contact Their Bank

The main problem with gambling addiction, and the reason it is so unhealthy, is that it can spiral into massive debts and cause lasting damage to an individual’s mental and financial wellbeing. To reduce the impact of this, you need to contact their bank and ask them to block transactions to certain businesses.

Most banks will be happy to facilitate this, but if they are not then you’ll need to take drastic measures yourselves. This might mean restricting the individual’s access to cash, putting a hold on their debit cards during certain sporting events, such as the Grand National, or even giving access to their account to a trusted person to take care of. 

Gambling addictions can cause severe problems for many individuals and their families. For more advice and personalised support, instruct them to visit their doctor, who will be able to offer them help that is tailored around their individual needs.