Encourage the gambler to seek professional help. Do not lend them money or try to solve their problems for them. Take care of your own emotional and financial well-being, and seek support from others you trust. While it's normal to feel angry or betrayed, do not blame yourself for their actions or try to force them to stop gambling against their will.

1. Grade 9 | Unit 9.5 | Page 10
Unit 9.5
Transparency 3
HOW DO I COPE WITH SOMEONE WHO
HAS A GAMBLING PROBLEM?
• Don't lend the gambler money; the person will be tempted to use the
money for gambling instead for paying debts.
• Put your energies into protecting yourself financially, physically and
emotionally.
• It is normal to feel betrayed and angry. Acknowledge your feelings and
learn appropriate ways to express them.
• Be honest.
• Talk to people you trust about your situation.
• Solve your own problems - you can't solve someone else's problems for
them.
• Allow the problem gambler to face the consequences of their actions; don't
protect them.
• Allow the person to take responsibility for his or her own behaviour.
• Understand that you are not to blame for the problem and that you cannot
force the person to stop gambling.
• Encourage the gambler to seek professional help.
• Offer to assist the person to get therapy.
• Help them get involved in non-gambling activities.
• Seek professional support and advice to help yourself.
• Start living your own life and doing things you enjoy.
• Be clear about your boundaries - make up your mind what you are and
are not willing to accept.
• Treat excessive gamblers in the same way as you would treat other addicts
- with detachment and kindness.