Should You Give Money To A Sports Gambler?

Giving money to someone struggling with gambling presents a risk of enabling harmful behavior rather than helping them recover.

Don’t enable gambling. Never give a gambler money to keep gambling or chase losses, as a loan or gift.

Helping cover expenses for someone with a gambling problem depends on your relationship and trust.

If you believe the money you provide may be used for gambling, carefully consider your decision.

Enabling Behavior

Giving money directly can unintentionally support gambling habits, delaying recognition of the need for change or help. Borrowing money for betting is often a sign that an individual should quit gambling.

This financial support may postpone harm reduction strategies.

Underlying Issue

Address the root cause of the gambling, such as chronic stress.

Encourage them to seek professional help, counseling, or a gambling prevention coach instead of giving money. Take the initiative to help them access these resources now to bring about positive change.

Financial Protection

Protect your financial stability. A typical person with a gambling problem affects six others, according to one study.

Set boundaries and ensure you don’t run into money problems from helping a person continue betting. Avoid giving money if it could harm your own well-being.

Support, Not Enable

Supporting someone should not involve enabling destructive behaviors.

Support includes helping them access resources, attending therapy with them, or offering emotional encouragement.

Conditions for Financial Help

If you decide to help financially, consider doing so with clear conditions attached, such as using the money for specific expenses (rent, bills) and requiring proof of payment. 

Instead, pay bills directly instead of giving cash.

Promote Responsibility

Encourage them to take responsibility for actions and finances. This is difficult but crucial for recovery.

This includes dealing with debts and financial consequences due to gambling.

Seek Advice

Consider seeking advice from your social circle and professionals, such as financial advisors or counselors experienced with treating the mental illness of gambling addiction, for strategies on handling the situation effectively if someone with a gambling problem asks you for money.

Of course, each situation is unique. 

Carefully weigh your circumstances and the individual’s willingness to change before deciding whether to give money. Take proactive steps to support their recovery rather than risk enabling harmful behavior.

It can be a very hard decision if they are a loved one.

It’s important to remember that one of the signs of a betting addiction is lying or being dishonest to conceal gambling activity. 

Online sports betting is widely available in the U.S. and beyond, making access to dangerous gambling easier than ever.

Financial strain from gambling, even if you are indirectly involved, can be bad for your heart.

Should a Parent Give Their Child Money for Sports Betting?

Young sports bettors, such as college students, may ask their parents for money to gamble. Parents should carefully consider the impact of giving their child money specifically for betting, especially if they are underage.

You’re not alone if you have these worries, as parental concern with sports betting is a growing trend nationwide. Young sports bettors are more likely to erroneously believe that they can use betting as a side hustle or become rich from gambling (e.g., through parlays).

In some cases, the young person’s problematic gambling may be making it difficult for them to pay for things that they would otherwise have money for.

“It can be complicated as parents may be financially helping their child with bills, rent, and other expenditures because of their sports betting,” said Abdullah Mahmood, a problem gambling counselor at the Maryhaven addiction treatment center near Columbus, Ohio. 

Mahmood continued, “I understand the thought of wanting to help because it is family. However, in certain circumstances, it’s no longer helpful and is a financial bailout. It perpetuates the cycle of addiction, as the gambler may think they have that as a safety net. Boundaries must be set.”

If you are concerned, start an open conversation about gambling with your young-adult child. Act now—lead the discussion with compassion and emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and discouraging enabling behavior.

Addressing the Root Cause

Gambling addiction is a mental health disorder that requires appropriate treatment. 

Simply providing financial assistance without addressing the underlying issue may perpetuate the cycle of addiction.

Encourage your loved one to seek help from reputable organizations:

• GamblingHarm.org: Offers a collection of information for all things related to PG
• Gamblers Anonymous: Offers support groups for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
• SAMHSA National Helpline: Provides confidential support and resources for mental health and substance use disorders.
• 800-GAMBLER: Offers a range of resources, including a helpline and treatment options.

Deciding to give money to a gambler requires prioritizing recovery and avoiding enablement.

Prioritize choosing actions that actively support recovery. Make the decision to encourage your loved one to get help now, and avoid enabling harmful patterns.

Be the support your loved one or friend needs by actively guiding them toward the help they need. Start today—your involvement can make a meaningful difference in their recovery journey.

Explore More

• How Do I Know If I Have a Gambling Problem?
• What Is ‘Chasing Losses’ In Sports Betting?
• Parlays Are Bad For Your Brain: The Near-Miss Effect

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