How woman is recovering from ‘miserable’ marriage to problem gambler

A Geelong region woman has detailed how her husband’s gambling addiction meant she “never had any money”.

A Geelong region woman has revealed the crippling toll of her husband’s addiction this Gambling Harm Awareness Week.

The awareness week, which encourages people to talk about the harms associated with gambling and the effects they can have on communities, families, friends, workplaces, and individuals, runs until Sunday.

Sarah (not her real name) became concerned when she found out a week before her wedding that her partner had a gambling addiction.

She went through with the wedding, living in hope that she would be able to ‘fix it’.

She called the Gambler’s Helpline to speak with someone as this wasn’t something she wanted to talk to her friends about.

Sarah was referred to a Bethany Community Support financial counsellor.

“Although my husband never admitted to still (having) a gambling addiction, I was convinced as all the signs were still there,” Sarah said.

These ranged from money being unaccounted for to deceitfulness, she said.

“I went from being a person who always paid bills on time and having good money management to someone who never had any money,” she said.

After months of emotional abuse from her husband, Sarah decided to leave the family home with her teenage daughter.

She said life was “nothing but miserable” for the mother-daughter pair.

Her caseworker at Bethany helped Sarah secure a new rental.

“My caseworker has been a life support to me,” she said.

“When I made that initial call, I didn’t expect all of the support and assistance that I received.

“My next step now (is) with the financial counsellor to assist me with budgeting, saving and getting out of debt.”

It is estimated that for every person who has an issue with gambling, another seven people are adversely affected.

Sarah was in debt after leaving her marriage to a problem gambler. Picture: iStock

A person’s gambling behaviour can have serious social, emotional, physical and financial impacts on those who are close to them.

Last financial year, Bethany supported more than 400 individuals and families seeking therapeutic and financial counselling who were impacted by gambling related harm.

Bethany has offices in Geelong, Warrnambool and Horsham.

In addition to financial and therapeutic counselling, Bethany provides a range of services including school and parent education sessions; professional development to raise awareness of signs and referral pathways; assistance for business in developing gambling related harm policies; and training for venues to support recognising and responding to patrons impacted by their gambling.

If you’re concerned about your gambling or someone you know, call Bethany on 03 5278 8122 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as How woman is recovering from ‘miserable’ marriage to problem gambler