My brother in law is compulsive gambler. This problem is with us for many years now. About 12 years ago he borrowed a lot of money from us, friends and family and lost it. Then moved out from the town. We helped him to pay it back and for a while we thought it was better. About 3 years ago we found out from his wife that it had never ended. Although he got married, has a young child and a job he lied to everyone they knew in another city and lost 30k. We found out he even lied that his wife died to borrow the money for her funeral and lost it. We tried to help, his wife was managing his income for a while, he promised that he blocked himself online and he's going to change. And now his wife said he changed the job so she can't control the income, he dissapears for all days and she found on tracker that he went to bet shops.Â
I wonder if we the family can do anything? How to persuade him to try recovery?Â
My husband (his brother) and all family are devastated and worried.Â
Hello alasa1,
Thank you for sharing,
Your story shows how great the impact of gambling can be on friends and family. It sounds like you have all been kind, patient and supportive. I cannot imagine how upsetting it must have been to have believed someone to have passed away when they were not. It is understandable that you are worried given the events so far but setting boundaries to protect yourselves may be a beneficial step you can take now. GamCare does support people impacted by another person’s gambling. If you are in Great Britain, you can call our Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (or live chat) and speak to an Advisor. We also have a Friends & Family Chatroom at 12noon Tuesdays and 6pm on Thursdays for peer support.
Best Wishes,
Louise
Forum Admin
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