6/3/2026
We spoke to Dan, founder of Addicted Recovery, about the best way to help someone who is a compulsive gambler.
"How to help a compulsive gambler is something that appears in my comments sections all the time.
Basically, partners, parents or siblings who are trying to help somebody who's struggling with a gambling addiction.
The honest truth is, if they don't want to stop, there's not much you can do to stop them.
Wanting to stop gambling has to come from them. It has to come from within.
That was the turning point for me back in 2021, when I placed my last bet. I realised I didn't want to live this chaotic lifestyle anymore.
I can't do this for my kids. I can't do this for my wife. I can't do this for my mum.
I needed to do this for me.
As a friend or family member, the best thing you can do to help them get to that point is to support them.
Let them know you're there, you love them, and you want to try and help.
The reason having accountability from friends, loved ones and family members is so important is that you can help them once they get on that journey.
Installing blockers on your phone can help. You can set up a blocker with them by installing it on their device with their permission.
I did this with my brother early on in my recovery. My brother installed Gamban on my phone, and then I was unable to remove it.
Basically, Gamban blocked all gambling apps and gambling websites.
I couldn't access anything on my phone, no matter how much I wanted to.
And that helped me early in recovery.
Now I'm at a point where I can control my urges. I don't need to act on those urges, but early on in recovery, that really helped.
Just being there for them, letting them know that you care and you're there for them, is so important.
The love and support of my family have helped me get to where I am today."
