Negative impacts for spouses and other family members can include:

a huge financial burden is often put on the family members, sometimes leading to ongoing debt and property loss

into lending money to the person with a gambling problem

covering up and making excuses for the gambler's behaviour

such as high levels of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, resentment, embarrassment, exhaustion and self-doubt

insomnia, ulcers, digestive problems, headaches, neck and back pain and other stress-related health conditions

such as feelings of helplessness, being overwhelmed, insecurity and even feeling as though they are responsible for the gambling problem

- 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 - which can lead to arguments, strained relationships, alienation, separation, divorce, loneliness and isolation - sometimes family members are so focused on the person with a gambling problem, they may neglect themselves and their own needs