Gambling and Divorce
Financial distress can be a huge problem for a marriage. That can be compounded if the money problems are the direct result of a gambling addiction. Unfortunately, the addiction can result in family and financial obligations being ignored. Both partners can be swept up in deception, mistrust, and resentment, which can eventually lead to divorce.
Gambling and Divorce by the Numbers
Since gamblers are all about playing the odds, it’s worth knowing some statistics connecting gambling to divorce:
- Gambling generally leads to financial duress, which is the number one cause of divorce.
- Between 20 and 65 percent of gamblers will be divorced at some point, compared to less than half that number for the general population.
- 45 percent of gamblers are divorced two or more times.
- Divorce generally occurs within three to five years of the onset of gambling issues.
- Three out of four spouses married to gamblers say they feel betrayed by their spouse’s gambling and associated behaviors.
- Children of problem gamblers often feel abandoned or neglected.
- Many who ultimately look for help with their addiction report that marriage issues were the biggest concern.
Debt
Obviously, one of the biggest symptoms of gambling addiction is spiraling debt. In addition to the gambling debt itself, families often have to deal with credit card debt that accumulates when bills are not paid on time. The numbers are astounding:
- Males with gambling issues average between $55,000-$90,000 in gambling debt;
- Females with gambling addictions average $15,000 in gambling debt;
- Half of Americans surveyed believe that when a spouse has significant debt it is a good reason to contemplate divorcing;
- One-third of divorcees report that credit card debt was a key factor in their split.
Side Effects of Gambling Addictions
While money difficulties are the central issue related to problem gambling, there are plenty more worth considering:
- Difficulty staying focused on a spouse’s goals, interests, and hobbies;
- Forgetfulness relating to big occasions and holidays;
- Irritability and petulance, sometimes resulting in aggression and violence;
- Stealing from spouses and other trusted friends and family to pay gambling debts;
- Impacts on intimacy, as libido is thrown off due to cortisol and adrenaline imbalances, sleep deprivation, and guilt.
Can Your Marriage be Saved?
For couples facing these issues, it’s important to note that fighting for your marriage could be the thing that helps your partner overcome the gambling addiction. Counseling directly focused on gambling is a worthy option worth considering, along with traditional counseling. If you see no benefit from these interventions, divorce may be the option you choose.
Representing Your Needs
The dedicated Springfield divorce attorneys at Courtney & Mills always support you and angle to get the best possible outcomes for you in divorce. To discuss, contact our Springfield office today.
Source:
bircheshealth.com/resources/gambling-divorce
