For a majority of individuals, gambling has historically been seen as a form of entertainment, not impacting other areas of an individual’s life or wellbeing. To that end, in order to keep it within its proper context and framework, having a support network is critical in maintaining this perspective. Family members and friends play a crucial role in helping individuals who choose to gamble maintain responsible gaming habits. Here's 3 important ways you can provide support to ensure gambling is done in a safe and healthy way while avoiding potential areas of harm: 

Open Communication: 

Talk openly about gambling and its risks. Ensure that these conversations are honest, non-judgmental and supportive in nature. A key part of communication is to also listen actively. Allow your loved one to express their feelings about gambling. Listen without interrupting, and show empathy. This will help to reduce any stigma or shame associated with the activity and should the individual who is gambling develop a problematic relationship in the future, you are cementing yourself as a trusted loved one. Basically, have the conversation early and often! 

2. Set Boundaries: 

Encourage the individual who is gambling to set limits on how much TIME and MONEY they plan to spend on gambling. Helping them create a budget or a time management plan is the key to ensuring that gambling remains a form of entertainment not impacting the individual’s emotional, relational, mental or financial wellbeing. Once the limits are established, monitor periodically and gently remind them of the limits they’ve set and provide encouragement when they adhere to them. 

3. Promote Alternative Activities: 

Part of having a Responsible or Safer Gambling strategy is to approach through the lens of moderation and balance. Suggest engaging in other hobbies or activities that don’t involve gambling, like playing sports, reading, or social gatherings. This will help to break the cycle of activity and allow for less reliance on a maladaptive pattern of behavior. Spending more quality time in non-gambling environments helps foster and maintain connection within relationships as well. 

Supporting a loved one in maintaining responsible gambling habits involves open communication, setting boundaries, and promoting alternative activities. If you notice troubling behavior, it's important to identify available resources and address it directly and early. Your support can make a significant difference in preventing gambling from becoming a problem. 

Need support for a gambling problem?

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. The National Council on Problem Gambling provides a range of resources, including answers to commonly asked questions, a gambling behavior self assessment, information about treatment and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) to help connect you with local resources.