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How to start a conversation about harmful gambling

Image of looking away with worried expression on his face. Image of woman in background slightly blurred.

Gamban is an award-winning gambling website blocker, provided free of charge through the Welsh Government. If you’re worried about your gambling, stopping access to apps and sites could be one of the first steps on your road to recovery. Sign up here.

In the meantime, Gamban’s social media and content manager - Kat Baker - has some useful advice on talking to someone about their gambling habits...

Starting a conversation about harmful gambling might feel difficult, but a hard conversation now could be incredibly helpful in creating a better future. 

Some people hide a gambling addiction for years. The rise of online casinos and the ability to bet anywhere make gambling one of the hardest addictions to spot. 

Signs someone may have a gambling addiction

  • Their finances seem sporadic, sometimes they have a lot of money, at other times they appear stressed about their finances.
  • Being secretive about their phone and bank statements.
  • Stress, irritability and sleepless nights.
  • Lying about what they’ve been doing or where they’ve been. 
  • Constantly checking sports scores, and the results influencing their mood.
  • Being unable to cover living expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments.

These are not definitive symptoms of a gambling addiction, but one or all of these may be a sign that something is wrong. 

Be compassionate 

Approach the conversation calmly and with empathy. Be prepared for a defensive or even angry response and be aware that the conversation may be shut down immediately. If this happens, give it some time and try returning to the subject another day. 

Time and place

It may be tempting to bring up your concerns as you notice them but instead try to make time for a private conversation when you both have plenty of time to chat. Some space will give them the confidence to open up and speak freely. 

Create a judgement-free zone

The conversation may be shocking or even upsetting but try to remain as neutral and judgement-free as you can. You may not work everything out the first time you talk, but that’s ok. Just letting them know you are there is enough to begin with.

The practical side

If you need to talk seriously about finances, find another time when emotions have calmed down.

There are multiple ways you can offer practical support to a loved one. Discussing these and offering to help can be a huge weight off their shoulders and help them get moving into recovery.

Overall, remember that the first conversation – however hard it is - can help to start the ball rolling towards recovery. Give reassurance that your love is unconditional, and you will still continue to support them through the journey. 

NHS Wales provides free access to ‘Space from Gambling Harms’, an online course for help with managing harmful gambling. There’s no waiting list and no need to see a GP.

Sign up here and get started today.

Contact the all-Wales Gambling Helpline on 0808 281 9265.

 

Published: 18/08/2026