Gambling

When betting stops being fun, and how to get your life and relationships back

Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Substance Use & Gambling →

“I’ll just win it back.”

“I told my wife I stopped. I didn’t.”

“I check the odds before I check on my kids.”

“How did we lose that much money?”

Gambling problems can grow quietly. Especially now, with betting apps on every phone.

If it’s costing you money, sleep, trust or peace, you’re not alone. And help works.

When gambling becomes a problem

• Betting more to get the same thrill
• Chasing losses: trying to win it back
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back
• Lying about how much you bet or lost
• Borrowing money, or using money meant for bills
• Thinking about betting all the time
• Gambling to escape stress or bad feelings

Problem gambling is a recognized condition, not a lack of willpower. It works on the same reward systems in the brain as other addictions.

Get help today

Florida’s problem gambling helpline: 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), free, confidential and open 24/7.

National helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

Gambling problems are linked to a higher risk of suicide, especially after big losses. If you’re thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 now.

What helps

Understanding your pattern. When do you bet? What are you feeling right before? What does winning do for you?

Making it harder to bet. Deleting apps. Using blocking software. Signing up for self-exclusion where you gamble. Handing over money access for a while.

Facing the money honestly. Knowing the real numbers is scary, but it’s where recovery starts. A nonprofit credit counselor can help.

Changing the thinking traps. “I’m due for a win.” “I have a system.” CBT helps catch these.

Building a life with other rewards. Gambling often fills a hole. We find out what it’s filling.

Peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, and Gam-Anon for family, help many people alongside therapy.

Gambling and your relationship

For many partners, finding out about hidden gambling feels like finding out about an affair. The lying hurts as much as the money.

They may feel foolish for not seeing it. Scared about the future. Furious.

If you’re the partner, protect yourself financially. Separate accounts, checking your credit, and talking with a financial or legal professional are reasonable steps.

In couples sessions, we work on honesty, money agreements and rebuilding trust, one step at a time.

If conflict in your relationship includes threats, hitting, pushing, or one partner controlling the other’s money, phone or movements, that’s not a communication problem. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. It’s free and open 24/7.

How I work

I listen to how you talk about gambling. “Just one more.” “I was so close.” “It’s under control.” Those phrases show how the gambling mind protects itself.

I also look at the whole system: stress at work, family patterns, and what gambling does for you that nothing else does.

Who this work is for

• Adults in Florida struggling with sports betting, casinos, slots, cards or online gambling
• Partners and families affected by someone’s gambling
• Couples rebuilding trust after hidden debt
• Spanish-speaking or bilingual adults and families

You don’t have to have quit already to start.

Who this isn’t for

I work with adults. If you are under 18, this page is not describing services for you.

If you are in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If there is violence, threats or control in the relationship, start with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, not couples therapy.

Sessions must take place while you are physically located in Florida.

Frequently asked questions

Is sports betting really that addictive?

It can be. Betting apps are fast, always available, and built to keep you playing. Many people who never set foot in a casino develop problems this way.

My partner gambles. Can I come on my own?

Yes. Partners and family members can get help whether or not the person gambling is ready.

Do you run support groups?

No. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I can point you to peer groups like Gamblers Anonymous or Gam-Anon.

Can my partner come too?

Yes. I see individuals, couples and families. Whether couples sessions are covered depends on your insurance plan. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.

Do you offer therapy in Spanish?

Yes. Sessions can be in Spanish, English, or both.

How much does therapy cost?

It depends on your insurance plan. Most clients pay a copay or coinsurance. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.

Do you take insurance?

Yes. I’m in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and other plans through Headway. Check your coverage and book on my Headway page.

When can I start?

Appointments are generally available the next day or within the same week, every day except Saturday.

Related reading: Willpower and Addiction · Addiction Therapy · Infidelity and Affair Recovery