Friends & Family
Worried about someone else's gambling?
If someone else's gambling is affecting you, your money or your home life, you do not have to deal with it on your own.
You can get help even if the person gambling does not think there is a problem or is not ready to seek support.
Last reviewed: 20 September 2026
Start here
What is happening?
I'm worried about their gambling
What to look for and how to raise your concerns without turning the conversation into an argument.
How to talk about itMoney and householdMoney or household finances are affected
Work out what is in your name, what is joint and what you can do to protect your own money.
Protect your financesSupport for youI need support for myself
You can get help even if the person gambling does not think there is a problem or refuses support.
Find support for yourselfWho are you worried about?
The problems you face can depend on your relationship with them.
Choose the option that fits best.
Things to think about
- If you share bills, debts or bank accounts, find out what is in your name and what is joint.
- Decide what you are and are not prepared to pay for, lend or cover.
- You can get help for yourself even if your partner refuses support.
Practical guides
More detailed help
How to talk about gambling
Raise what you have noticed, explain how it is affecting you and keep the conversation focused on what happens next.
Open guideFinancesProtecting shared money
Check joint accounts, debts and access to money. Protecting yourself is not the same as trying to control another adult.
Open guideBoundariesWhat you can and cannot control
You can offer help and set limits. You cannot force another adult to stop gambling.
Open guideSupportSupport for you, not just them
Help is available for people affected by someone else's gambling, whether or not the person gambling wants help.
Open guideSafety · Fraud · Economic abuse
If money, threats or control have become part of the problem
Threats, pressure to borrow, debts taken out in your name, fraud or controlling your access to money are more than arguments about gambling. Gambling does not excuse abusive behaviour.
If talking about gambling could put you at risk, focus on your safety first and get specialist help.
Children and teenagers
If a child is being affected
Someone else's gambling
An adult's gambling is affecting a child
Gambling can affect household money, routines, relationships and a child's sense of security. Children may become anxious, try to keep the peace or take on responsibilities that should belong to adults.
If there are threats, fear, missing essentials or unsafe behaviour, use the safety guidance. Young people can also get confidential support directly.
Their own gambling or spending
A child or teenager is gambling or spending
The activity may involve betting, skins, case-opening sites, loot boxes, live card breaks, rip and ship streams or repeated spending on randomised products.
Our guide covers what to look for, the language you may hear and practical steps for parents and carers.
Guide for parents and carersFind support
What kind of help do you need?
Choose the option that best matches what is happening.
Gambling support for family and friends
Specialist gambling services can support you even if the person gambling is not seeking help.
Find gambling support