Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline

Family Supports

Problem Gambling and the Family

Whether you have just discovered a gambling problem or have been living with it for a while, you are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems. You are heartbroken by your spouse’s/partner’s betrayal and the financial devastation. You may be emotionally drained, depressed, and frightened for the future. It is difficult to accept what started out as a recreational activity has turned into a personal family nightmare.

Problem Gambling Family Guide (PDF)

Signs of a Gambling Problem

Neglect and work responsibilities;
Disinterest in other social activities;
Jeopardizing family, relationships, and job to pursue gambling activities;
Irritability and restlessness;
Increasing time and money spent on gambling;
Remorse and guilt about gambling;
Irrational belief that past losses can be won back;
physical symptoms of stress-headaches, sleep disorders, and depression;

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Financial Trouble that may Indicate a Gambling Problem

your spouse/partner not allowing you to access/review financial statements investment notices;a need to borrow money from family, friends or relatives;
a need to borrow money or items normally purchased with cash;
having to refinance loans or juggle repayment plans;
receiving regular notices of late payment;
receiving demands for payment in full from creditors;
using money from bank accounts or cashing in RRSP’s, bonds or life insurance policies for something other than what had previously been agreed to;
using greater amounts of net income to pay debts.

You didn’t know there was a Gambling Problem

If you have just uncovered a gambling problem in your family you may be asking yourself: “How could this have happened to me? my family?

Do not blame yourself for not knowing. You may have felt for some time things were not quite right, but you were not exactly sure what was wrong.

Every time you questioned your spouse/partner about something that seemed out of the ordinary, they had an explanation or story. And, even though at times the explanation/story provided did not make sense, you believe it because you love and trust your spouse/partner.

How Gamblers Hide Their Activities

Lie or make up stories in order to cover up their gambling activity; Control all the family’s finances or let their spouse control the daily finances while they establish a complex network of ways to obtain credit;

Control the mail by having it sent to their place of business or a post office box, or forge loved one’s signatures for personal loans or mortgages.

When dealing with the effects of a gambling problem you will have feelings of anger, frustration, resentment, isolation, and desperation.

It is important to establish a safety net of supportive family, friends, and community support agencies. They can help you work through the complex problems you are facing. Each person’s support network is unique; each community provides some kind of service.

Initial & Long Term Support

Contact the Problem Gambling Helpline for support – call, live chat, text, or email.

A crisis gambling counselor can help assess your situation and connect you to ongoing support. Health region problem gambling counselor.

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a 12 Step self-help fellowship of men and women who have been affected by the gambling problem of another. We understand as perhaps few can. We are familiar with worry and sleepless nights and promises made only to be broken.

With the help of Gam-Anon, we find our way back to a normal way of thinking and living, whether or not our loved ones continue to gamble. We believe that a change in our attitudes is of boundless helps to us as well as to our gamblers.

Gam-Anon is not a religious organization or a counseling agency. It is not a treatment center nor is it allied with any organization offering such services.

No dues or fees are required. Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one’s own life has been affected by someone else’s gambling problem. Gam-Anon 20 Questions to find out if you are living with a compulsive gambler?

Gam-Anon 20 Questions

The Purpose of Gam-Anon

To welcome and give assistance and comfort to those affected by someone else’s gambling problem. To communicate Gam-Anon’s understanding of compulsive gambling and its impact on our lives.

To share our experience, strength, and hope in coping with the gambling problem. To use the Steps and Tools of the Gam-Anon program which nurtures our spiritual and emotional growth and recovery.

Saskatoon Gam-Anon Meeting
Contact: Tony – 306-683-0421