Let’s talk about gambling

Stigma can be the negative beliefs or assumptions society places on gambling can make people feel ashamed, isolated, or even like they must hide their struggles.

This can create a real barrier to getting support not just for those who gamble, but also for family, friends, and others affected by someone else’s gambling.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Starting an honest, non-judgmental conversation with yourself or someone else can be a powerful first step. It might feel hard at first, but it opens the door to understanding and connection.

Here are a few simple ways to get started:

“I’ve been thinking about how much I’ve been gambling lately, and I don’t feel great about it.”

“I’ve noticed I’m spending more than I planned on gambling. I think I need a bit of help figuring things out.”

“I’m finding it hard to cope at the moment. I don’t really know what to do.”

“I have bills to pay, and it feels like there’s no other way to get more money.”

“Gambling is really following me around. The ads and notifications are everywhere. What do you think I should do about that?”

You don’t have to have all the answers. Just being honest is a powerful first step toward getting support.

How to Talk to Someone About Their Gambling

If you’re concerned about someone else’s gambling, it’s important to approach the conversation with care, kindness, and no judgement. The goal isn’t to confront; it is to create opportunities for conversation.

You could try saying:

“Hey, I’ve noticed you’ve been gambling a bit more lately, is everything okay?”

“You don’t seem yourself at the moment. Is there anything you want to talk about?”

“If you ever want support or just someone to chat to, I’m here.”

It can be helpful to focus on listening first. Try to understand their perspective before sharing your own thoughts or concerns. Pre-planning one or two key points you’d like to share can help keep the conversation grounded and ensure what matters most to you is heard.

Remember, this doesn’t need to be a one-off conversation. You might choose to check in more than once, giving both of you time to reflect on what’s been said and come back to the conversation with more clarity and care.

Sometimes, just knowing someone cares and is willing to listen can make all the difference.