How Gambling Harms Effect More Than Just the Gambler
When people think about gambling harm, they often focus on the individual who is gambling. While that person may experience stress, debt, and emotional pain, the harm does not stop there. Gambling problems can deeply affect family members, friends, coworkers, and even entire communities. Understanding this wider impact helps show why gambling harm is a public health issue, not just a personal one.
Gambling Harms Effect on Loved Ones
Family members are often the first to feel the effects. When someone struggles with gambling, money problems usually follow. Bills may go unpaid, savings may disappear, and debt can grow quickly. Intimate partners and children may feel scared or confused when they notice changes in spending or sudden financial stress. In some cases, families lose housing and/or access to basic needs. These financial problems can create tension, arguments, and long-lasting trust issues within the household.
Emotional harm is just as serious. Loved ones may feel betrayed if the gambler hides their behavior or lies about money. Children may sense stress in the home even if they do not fully understand what is happening. This can lead to anxiety, sadness, or trouble at school. Partners may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or blamed for problems they did not cause. Over time, relationships can break down, leading to separation or divorce.
Friends and social circles are impacted too. A person dealing with gambling harm may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed or avoid social events because of shame or money problems. Friends may feel worried but unsure how to help. Over time, friendships can fade, leaving both the gambler and their loved ones feeling lonely and disconnected.
Gambling Harms Effect on the Community
Gambling harm can also affect a person’s workplace. Employees who struggle with gambling may be distracted, tired, or stressed, which can reduce job performance. They may miss work or have trouble focusing. Coworkers may have to take on extra responsibilities, and employers may face higher costs due to lost productivity. In some cases, gambling problems can even lead to criminal choices, which harms businesses and staff trust, and puts their employment at risk.
Communities also carry the burden of gambling harm. When families struggle financially, they may need public assistance, housing support, or counseling services. Healthcare systems may see higher rates of stress-related illness, depression, or substance use connected to gambling problems. Schools, social services, and local organizations may need to step in to support children and families affected by gambling harm.
Gambling harms are not just about money or poor choices. It is about how one person’s struggle can affect many others. By recognizing these impacts, communities can better support prevention, education, treatment, and recovery for those struggling with gambling harms. When help is available, not only for gamblers but also for their loved ones, healing becomes possible for everyone involved.
Community Support
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.
Learn more about gambling harms. Visit the NYCPG Training Center to view upcoming trainings as well as a list of self-paced trainings available to all.