Gambling addiction is often seen as an individual problem, but its effects ripple far beyond the person placing the bets. For families, it can lead to financial instability, emotional distress, and fractured relationships. In this episode, Katie shares her personal journey of discovering her husband's gambling problem and how she and her children moved forward.
Speaking as a parent and a teacher with twenty years of experience, Katie argues that more recognition is needed about how gambling problems impact families, especially young people. Noting a lack of resources and supports for children experiencing gambling harms, she developed a workbook. It's a tool for parents, family members, teachers and counsellors to help children understand and cope when compulsive gambling disrupts their lives. Katie's workbook is available on Amazon and is called All Bets Are Off: Hope and Healing When a Loved One's Gambling Addiction is Destroying Everything.
Listen to this impactful interview with Katie and hear:
- What spouses and family members can do when a loved one isn't ready to stop gambling
- How to support children when a parent's gambling is negatively impacting the family
- What help is available for spouses, family members and chldren experiencing gambling harms
To read a summary of this episode go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. You can also hear more from Katie on a podcast that she and a friend from Gam-Anon produce and host - Making Bets in a Burning House. It provides insight and support for families, friends and spouses impacted by gambling addiction.
If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.
To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:
Canada: click here
United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
United Kingdom: GamCare
Australia: Gamblers' Help
If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.
To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:
GamTalk (online chat forum)
Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery
Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.
Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.