Impacts of gambling problems on partners: partners’ interpretations

Abstract

Partners can be especially vulnerable to the negative effects of gambling problems, but little research has sought to understand partners' experiences from their own unique perspectives. This qualitative interpretive study explored the impacts of gambling problems on partners. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 partners and ex-partners of people with gambling problems to understand their experiences of gambling problems from their perspectives. The findings showed that partners experienced a wide range of negative effects, especially on their financial security, their emotional, mental and physical health, and on their relationships. The financial impacts of gambling problems on partners were substantial and far-reaching. Some partners were forced to take up extra employment to cover household expenses and pay off gambling-related debts. Others lost their savings, homes, belongings and established ways of life. While these impacts were extensive, partners also experienced a range of emotional impacts that were equally devastating. Their gambling partner's lies, dishonesty and concealment of problems and gambling behaviour created considerable distress, loss of trust and a sense of betrayal. These experiences undermined these partners' sense of self-identity, and created additional conflicts within their relationships. Along with accumulating mental and physical health impacts, these challenges lead to separation and/or divorce for many participants. These findings point to the need for greater understanding of partners' experiences and public health initiatives that protect partners and their families from the harmful effects of gambling problems.

The Public Stigma of Problem Gambling: Its Nature and Relative Intensity Compared to Other Health Conditions

“…This finding contradicts research documenting the surprise and shock that most people report when informed about a significant other’s gambling problem, which has typically become severe before disclosure (Holdsworth et al 2013; Patford 2008, 2009). This finding may reflect public underestimation of the secrecy typically accompanying problem gambling (Hing et al 2012, Hodgins and el-Guebaly 2000).…”

Are There Distinctive Outcomes from Self-Exclusion? An Exploratory Study Comparing Gamblers Who Have Self-Excluded, Received Counselling, or Both

“…This finding may reflect extra time that excluders have once abstaining from most problematic gambling form. Families of problem gamblers often experience a growing sense of disconnection and isolation because of time and resources spent gambling (Grant Kalischuk 2010;Holdsworth et al 2013;Patford 2008Patford , 2009. Detrimental impacts of problem gambling on work are also well recognised (Productivity Productivity Commission 1999;Responsible Gambling Responsible Gambling Council 2013;Reith 2006).…”

Creating symbolic cultures of consumption: an analysis of the content of sports wagering advertisements in Australia

“…Whilst gambling is promoted by the gambling industry as an enjoyable leisure activity [ 2 ], there is significant evidence that gambling results in a range of health and social harms to individuals, their families and communities [ 3 , 4 ]. Specific harms include anxiety and depression [ 5 ], lowered work productivity and job loss [ 6 ], suicidal ideation and attempts [ 7 ], substance abuse [ 8 ], family and partner breakdown [ 9 ], financial hardship [ 10 ], crime [ 11 ], homelessness [ 12 ] and, domestic violence [ 13 , 14 ].…”