My partner and I have been together just under 2 years. I’m 5 months pregnant with our first child.
We live together and I had slight concerns when I first moved in asking what I needed to pay towards the bills, as he kept brushing it off but I knew he had been out of work for a few months before we met so assumed he had some arrears he was still paying off.Â
Fast forward a year and after asking a few times for contribution to our baby stuff and him saying he didn’t have the money that month to help… he admitted to being in £8k debt and said that paying those back is why he had no money… I asked to see his bank statements so I could figure out what was going wrong (I am good at managing my own finances so wanted to help), after him breaking down and showing me… I found out he had a gambling addiction and was gambling away 90% of his wage, as well as money I had sent him for bills, his older daughters Christmas money etc.Â
I feel incredibly hurt because he’s lied to me so many times about why he’s had no money before, and prioritised gambling over providing for his unborn child. It’s caused me a significant amount of stress and my mental health has really took a beating. The trust is completely shattered between us and I know as the person I am, I’m not sure I’m ever going to stop being paranoid he’s gambling again.
He seems remorseful and has actively added gamstop gamban to his phone. I asked him to reach out to his parents which he did, and I also asked him to call GamCare for support. I didn’t trust that he would without me forcing him, but again he did whilst I was out as I saw the call and correspondence letter.Â
Hes also agreed to me managing all finances and he will be sending me his wage, for me to pay all our bills off first and then I will give him back his remaining money on a Monzo account linked to my phone so I can see there is no betting.Â
I’ve read so many forums about gamblers that have relapsed because really they still didn’t see a problem in their actions. But I’m worried he’s just putting on an act, any will somehow find a way around everything we’ve put in place.Â
I feel so stupid for not seeing what was going on earlier and now bringing a child into this mess, as well as putting myself through an enormous amount of stress at what should be such a special time. I’m torn between staying, helping him work things out and leaving to prioritise my child and my own mental wellbeingÂ
Hello Blossom123,
Welcome to the Forum,
Thank you for sharing your story. With your currently being pregnant I would prioritise your mental and physical health above all other considerations if possible. If you feel that the stress of this situation is affecting, you please do contact your doctor. This may also look like seeking support for yourself and creating and maintaining some boundaries. I am sorry to hear that what is usually a happy time in life planning for the arrival of the baby has become fraught with financial worry. How kind of you to give him money for his older daughter. You could have only acted on the information you knew at the time- please do not blame yourself.
Moving forward please know that GamCare do offer support for anyone affected by another person’s gambling. We have a Friends and Family Forum section (which you are using now) and at 12pm Tuesdays and 6pm Thursdays we host Friends and Family online Chatrooms for peer support. If you are based in the UK, you can also call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 and speak to one of our Advisors (or webchat) anytime. Whatever you decide you are not alone.
Best Wishes,
Louise
Forum Admin
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