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Negative impacts

Problem gambling can have a variety of negative impacts—on the individual, family and friends, and society as a whole. Some of these impacts may include:

For the Individual...

• Mental health problems - depression, anxiety, reduced self-worth, suicidal thoughts, increased alcohol or drug use, etc.
• Physical health problems – insomnia, headaches, back or neck pain, stomach upset, etc.
• Self-care problems – poor nutrition, sleep, personal hygiene, etc.
• Social problems – arguments, strained relationships, alienation, separation, divorce, physical or mental abuse, etc.
• Financial problems - loss of income, inability to pay bills, increased debt, bankruptcy, etc.
• Legal problems – arrests, incarceration (e.g., due to theft, fraud), etc.
• School or work problems - absenteeism, decreased productivity, etc.

For Family...

• Financial crisis - a huge financial burden is often put on the family members, sometimes leading to ongoing debt and property loss
• Being manipulated - into lending money to the person with a gambling problem
• Lying - covering up and making excuses for the gambler's behaviour
• Mental and emotional health problems - such as high levels of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, resentment, embarrassment, exhaustion and self-doubt
• Physical health problems - insomnia, ulcers, digestive problems, headaches, neck and back pain and other stress-related health conditions
• Self-esteem problems - such as feelings of helplessness, being overwhelmed, insecurity and even feeling as though they are responsible for the gambling problem
• Relationship problems
• Role imbalance - such as children taking care of the parents, parents overprotecting their children, partners performing all of the household tasks that were previously shared and a lack of sexual and emotional intimacy between partners
• Verbal and physical abuse - which can lead to arguments, strained relationships, alienation, separation, divorce, loneliness and isolation
• Poor self-care - sometimes family members are so focused on the person with a gambling problem; they may neglect themselves and their needs

For friends and co-workers...

• Being manipulated - into lending money to the person with a gambling problem
• Lying - covering up and making excuses for the gambler's behaviour
• Verbal and physical abuse - which can lead to arguments and strained relationships
• Financial problems - money lent is often not repaid
• Ignoring changes in behaviour or attitude to avoid getting involved