My boyfriend has recently admitted to himself and me that he has a gambling addiction. I've know for a while that it was a problem and have been really worried. He now faces the problem that he can't have his wages in his bank account and transfers them straight to me. He has the idea in his head that he wants to stop but he can't fight the urge of spending whatever he has in his account. Basically I'm looking for some advice, how can he take control of his own money and save it rather than spend it on online betting. It doesn't help that every other advert is a betting one. He sometimes works away so he needs to have access to his money. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Hello Dragon and welcome to the Forum.
It is a good step forward that he agreed to let you manage his money, as he cannot be trusted with it. It does sound though that you are trying to do the work for him. I would suggest that you encourage him to get in touch with GamCare and go through some strategies with an advisor and perhaps arrange to see a counsellor. Being compelled to follow the urge to gamble is an indication that he has developed an addiction, so he would need help with that, which GamCare provides. However, taking responsibility for his recovery it is something he can only do, so do let him know that there is a lot of support but he needs to take the next step and access it.
Also, if you find the situation overwhelming you can contact GamCare and speak to an advisor on 0808 8020 133. We're open from 8am until midnight, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can use the Netline to connect to an advisor:
http://secure.gamcare.org.uk/netline
I hope that helps.
Best wishes,
fourmadmin
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