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Support someone

Recovering from problem gambling isn't easy. It takes hard work and a lot of encouragement. Many people with gambling problems are able to turn their lives around because of support from people close to them.

We can help you provide this support with information and advice specifically suited to your situation.

Why can't they just stop?

When you don't have a gambling problem yourself, it can be difficult to understand why someone with a problem doesn't just stop.


If someone close to you has a gambling problem, you can't change their behaviour or force them to stop, but you can help them. You can make it clear that their gambling is affecting others, that they need to get help, that there is help available, and that it works.

Muslim woman chatting over coffee

Deciding to talk about it

If you think someone close to you has a gambling problem, taking the first step to help them can be difficult. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed, or they may actually feel in control of their gambling and think they don't need to change.

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Practical ways to help

One of the very first steps to recovery is talking about it. If someone close to you has a gambling problem, an honest, non-confrontational conversation may be just what they need to get started on the road to recovery.

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Making an action plan

Make an action plan

Returning to gambling is a common problem for people trying to stop. If you are helping someone close to you recover from problem gambling, it can be useful to have a plan in place to help keep them headed in the right direction.

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Gambling harm podcast: Affected others