When your child is struggling with gambling, it can feel heartbreaking, confusing, and isolating. You may carry worry, guilt, or even blame yourself — but it’s important to know you are not alone. Taking care of your own emotional well-being is just as vital as supporting your child. Reaching out for support, sharing your feelings with others who understand, and giving yourself compassion can help you find strength during this difficult time.
It can be painful to consider, but when gambling takes hold, even a child you love and trust may resort to taking money to fund their play. 
Protecting your finances is not about mistrust—it’s about setting healthy boundaries and keeping your family secure. By safeguarding your finances, you’re not only protecting yourself but also reducing the opportunities for gambling to continue unchecked.
tes – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax – to freeze your credit, and possibly siblings’ credit, making it impossible for your child to take out credit in another family member’s name. If they are willing, it is a good idea to freeze the gambler’s credit as well.
Our Parents Standing Together community is a private space where parents of children struggling with gambling can ask questions, share what’s working (and what isn’t), and be with people who understand.
No advice from people who’ve never been through it. No judgment. Just parents who understand.
“As both a mother and a clinician, I’ve seen recovery from both sides. My son faced his gambling addiction and came out the other side—he’s working, he’s honest, he’s showing up for his life. Yes, relapse is a possibility we hold space for. But so is hope, healing, and a future worth fighting for. If you’re wondering whether recovery is possible for your child—it is. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.”
“Recovery is for the parents too – the gambling started at college when our son was 21. It was an itch that needed constant scratching and led to him dropping out of school. We started our recovery as parents when we learned through Gam-Anon that a gambling addiction was a disease that can’t be cured, but can be managed. We started letting go and accepted the things we cannot change. We also stopped trying to treat the disease as if it was our project to “fix”. It’s not our project, it’s his. And now that he owns it and is taking the steps of weekly meetings and gambling specific therapy, we are all making progress. But we know progress isn’t a straight line and are prepared to help support the ups and downs.”
“Getting his life back on track has not been easy for my son. There was so much regret to process and self-confidence was low. But he went to meetings and therapy sessions, looked for jobs, contemplated big life decisions and connected with old friends. There was and still is anxiety about maintaining the balance between keeping up with recovery activities while putting himself out there to shape a new life in a competitive world. It’s been hard not to feel overwhelmed at times. A year in recovery and he’s made some big changes –a new job, a new place to live and a healthier lifestyle. There is more to do, and I know there will be setbacks. But I could not be prouder.”
“When our son’s gambling got so bad that he ended up in jail after stealing to fund his addiction, it was a dark time for our family. But he was ready for change then, and watching him blossom in recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. He has built a happy, full, and balanced life, with recovery at the center of it. Our experiences have made our entire family stronger and given us purpose.”
“My son’s gambling got to a point where I could no longer manage my feelings on my own. I reached out for help and got him to finally reach out for help too. While I am not sure he is fully in “recovery”, he is finding ways to pay off his gambling debt and I have not seen evidence of the types of losses he previously experienced. We have a positive relationship and have come to an agreement on how often I check in on the gambling topic so that every time we get together, the topic of conversation is not gambling. I have come to realize I am not going to change him and the best thing I can do is take care of myself and manage my responses to his actions.”
Why Attend Support Groups
Support group meetings are a safe and confidential space for parents and loved ones impacted by their children’s gambling to connect, ask questions, share experiences, and find strength in community. Parents Standing Together does not endorse any particular group or meeting; there are many to choose from and we believe everyone finds recovery in their own way.
Finding the Right Meeting for You
Meetings are an important part of the healing process—they remind us that we are not alone and that support is always within reach. Each group has its own feel, so you can try several meetings to find ones that feel most comfortable and helpful for you, and meet at times you can fit into your schedule. Wherever you begin, you’ll surely be met with compassion, understanding, and hope.
Where to Access Meetings
Our Parents Standing Together community is a private space where parents of children struggling with gambling can ask questions, share what’s working (and what isn’t), and be with people who understand.
No advice from people who’ve never been through it. No judgment. Just parents who understand.
