Problem Gambling - A Guide for Families (PDF) - ProblemGambling.ca

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Families
Even if the person who gambles will not co-operate, you still
have the right to protect your family’s money.
Returning to
normal family
routines is an
important part
of healing.
tips for protecting your money
Here are some ways to protect the family’s money from out-ofcontrol
gambling:
• Throw away applications for credit cards or loans that come in
the mail.
• Pay all bills yourself.
• Cancel any overdrafts on bank accounts.
• Set up a separate bank account.
• Remove your name from shared credit cards and bank accounts.
• Do not share your PINs, or leave credit cards or money around.
• Put valuable items in a safety deposit.
• Put savings in bonds that you can’t access.
• Ask the bank to cut off credit, and not to allow your home to be
remortgaged.
• If your family member is willing, get a power of attorney that
puts you in charge of all property decisions.
• Arrange for your wages or salary to be paid directly into your
bank account.
• Warn family, friends and co-workers not to lend the person money.
• Give the person an agreed-upon weekly allowance.
• Get legal advice so you know your rights and know what legal
steps to take.
.
The first step is to assess your financial situation. How much
money has been lost Which debts are shared and which belong
only to the person who gambles This step can be emotionally
difficult. It is common for those with gambling problems to
have difficulty being open about their debts. It may take time
for them to “come clean,” particularly if they will have to admit
to past lies. Since trust has become such a serious issue
between you, they may fear that you will reject them entirely if
you learn the truth. And they may be hanging on to some areas
of secrecy as a route to return to gambling. These feelings and
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