my partner admitted he had a gambling addiction and I don't know where to start.

Dear @mazfla

Thank you for coming to the forum and for sharing your story. 

I am sorry to hear what you are going through with your partner's gambling problem. 

Can I suggest that you contact the GamCare Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Netline to explore the support that is available to you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you would like to talk to one of the GamCare Helpline Advisers.

Take care

Best wishes

Sallie

Forum Admin

Hello Mazfla,

Welcome to the forum. You're not alone.  There are lots of people here who can relate to your experiences. 

It's a huge shock when you discover that someone close to you has a gambling problem. Take care of yourself and contact advisers here for help and support if you need it. 

Also make sure your finances are protected. Change passwords etc. 

It's good that your partner has admitted to you that he has a problem. If he is committed to stopping there are measures he can take but it he needs to be fully committed. It has to come from him really.

There is blocking software that he can install in devices he uses such as GamStop or BetBlocker. This will cut down his access to online sites. 

If you are both agreeable, it would be best if he could hand over the control of his finances to you so that he can't access money to gamble. 

All this is dependent on him being willing to abstain from gambling. 

I know it's a huge amount to get your head around and come to terms with. Do you have anyone close like a trusted friend or family member that you could confide in? It's a lot to deal with on your own.

Take care and keep posting. There are lots of people here who are happy to listen. 

J 

He has asked for my help and we have made a gamstop account to stop all accounts and messages to his phone.  I do believe he really wants to stop and start looking after his money but it upsets me the fact that he was able to lie about it for so long and it scares me how well he hid it and that's what makes me anxious that he might start doing it again. I want to believe that he is being truthful and I am annoyed with myself that I don't trust him right now because I have only ever trusted him 100%. He is transferring me all the money he gets for me to look after so I guess it will just be a matter of time.  we have agreed to log onto GamCare and read stories together to help him understand the severity of his addiction and see what could happen if he doesn't stop now. 

thank you for your responses, it makes me feel like I'm not alone and this is a common struggle. 

It sounds like he is taking positive steps, transferring finances to you and installing Gamstop. 

It's natural for you to feel that you have lost trust. It can be really hard to come to terms with the deceit. Don't be too hard on yourself.  Trust may be earned back 9ver time but you need to remain vigilant and monitor his actions and behaviour at least for the time being. 

Take care and keep posting.

J

£7000 in a a month is very serious. Deposit limits would not work for this person. He needs a ban on all gambling websites and may need some counselling as well. Best of luck.