How to protect finances if there is a player in the family
Introduction
If a family member has difficulty controlling gambling, sooner or later this is reflected in the overall budget. The purpose of the article is to give a clear plan of action: how to create a "financial barrier," secure savings and at the same time not overlap support for a dependent person.
1. Separate account management
Close joint wallets and accounts. Transfer salary and savings to personal current accounts to which the dependent does not have direct access.
Connect the second signature level. For large transactions (above a set amount), require the approval of another co-owner or trustee.
Use prepaid cards and vouchers. Upload a fixed amount - this allows you to strictly limit the cost of rates.
2. Setting hard limits
Automatic bank limits. Set your maximum daily/weekly debit and credit card spending through your online bank or mobile app.
Blocking categories. Ask the bank to enable "blocking gambling transactions" (if there is such an option) or limit payments in favor of gaming operators.
Limit overdraft and credit limits. Lower your available credit card limit to zero or the minimum required.
3. Technical blocking of gambling sites
Program filters. Install Gamban or BetBlocker on all devices to block access to known platforms.
DNS filtering. Turn on OpenDNS FamilyShield or CleanBrowsing through the router - this will protect all gadgets in the house.
Browser extensions. BlockSite or StayFocusd: add the addresses of betting and casino sites to the "black list."
4. Legal and contractual measures
Joint accounts per trustee. Transfer the authority to manage the family account to a person who does not play by issuing a power of attorney.
Limitation in contracts. When applying for loans, mortgages or buying securities, include a condition prohibiting operations without the signature of the second owner.
Checking credit history. Monitor statements and notifications of new borrowings through MyCreditFile; immediately block loan attempts.
5. Budgeting and accounting of expenses
Maintaining a family budget. Use an app (like Pocketbook or MoneyBrilliant) to monitor receipts and spend together: all spend is deposited and confirmed together.
Monthly "financial meetings." Discuss income, debts and plan upcoming spending - important decisions are made only together.
Reserve fund. Form an "airbag" (at least three monthly expenses) on a separate account with limited access.
6. Psychological support and therapy
Family counseling. See a family systems therapist: Understand the dynamics of addiction and the impact on the budget.
Support groups for loved ones. Al-Anon and GamAnon: meetings of relatives and friends of addicts help to develop a support strategy without financial damage.
Individual accompaniment. A psychologist or social worker will help set boundaries and reduce the guilt of setting limits.
7. Alternative sources of income and savings
Passive income. Consider investing in reliable instruments (deposits, bonds) with minimal risk.
Cost optimization. Review paid subscriptions, utility rates and unnecessary purchases - free up funds for family purposes.
Additional part-time work. If the gambler "bombards" the family budget, find a temporary source of income (freelancing, renting a room).
8. Contact with professional services
Gambler's Help: free consultation and 1800 858 858 hotline.
GambleAware chat 24/7: Anonymous online support.
Financial Counseling Australia: Help with debt management and debt restructuring.
Conclusion
Protecting family finances in problem gambling requires an integrated approach: technical barriers, legal mechanisms, strict budgeting and psychological support. A clear implementation of each item of this plan will not only preserve savings, but also create a support system that contributes to the recovery of a dependent loved one.
If a family member has difficulty controlling gambling, sooner or later this is reflected in the overall budget. The purpose of the article is to give a clear plan of action: how to create a "financial barrier," secure savings and at the same time not overlap support for a dependent person.
1. Separate account management
Close joint wallets and accounts. Transfer salary and savings to personal current accounts to which the dependent does not have direct access.
Connect the second signature level. For large transactions (above a set amount), require the approval of another co-owner or trustee.
Use prepaid cards and vouchers. Upload a fixed amount - this allows you to strictly limit the cost of rates.
2. Setting hard limits
Automatic bank limits. Set your maximum daily/weekly debit and credit card spending through your online bank or mobile app.
Blocking categories. Ask the bank to enable "blocking gambling transactions" (if there is such an option) or limit payments in favor of gaming operators.
Limit overdraft and credit limits. Lower your available credit card limit to zero or the minimum required.
3. Technical blocking of gambling sites
Program filters. Install Gamban or BetBlocker on all devices to block access to known platforms.
DNS filtering. Turn on OpenDNS FamilyShield or CleanBrowsing through the router - this will protect all gadgets in the house.
Browser extensions. BlockSite or StayFocusd: add the addresses of betting and casino sites to the "black list."
4. Legal and contractual measures
Joint accounts per trustee. Transfer the authority to manage the family account to a person who does not play by issuing a power of attorney.
Limitation in contracts. When applying for loans, mortgages or buying securities, include a condition prohibiting operations without the signature of the second owner.
Checking credit history. Monitor statements and notifications of new borrowings through MyCreditFile; immediately block loan attempts.
5. Budgeting and accounting of expenses
Maintaining a family budget. Use an app (like Pocketbook or MoneyBrilliant) to monitor receipts and spend together: all spend is deposited and confirmed together.
Monthly "financial meetings." Discuss income, debts and plan upcoming spending - important decisions are made only together.
Reserve fund. Form an "airbag" (at least three monthly expenses) on a separate account with limited access.
6. Psychological support and therapy
Family counseling. See a family systems therapist: Understand the dynamics of addiction and the impact on the budget.
Support groups for loved ones. Al-Anon and GamAnon: meetings of relatives and friends of addicts help to develop a support strategy without financial damage.
Individual accompaniment. A psychologist or social worker will help set boundaries and reduce the guilt of setting limits.
7. Alternative sources of income and savings
Passive income. Consider investing in reliable instruments (deposits, bonds) with minimal risk.
Cost optimization. Review paid subscriptions, utility rates and unnecessary purchases - free up funds for family purposes.
Additional part-time work. If the gambler "bombards" the family budget, find a temporary source of income (freelancing, renting a room).
8. Contact with professional services
Gambler's Help: free consultation and 1800 858 858 hotline.
GambleAware chat 24/7: Anonymous online support.
Financial Counseling Australia: Help with debt management and debt restructuring.
Conclusion
Protecting family finances in problem gambling requires an integrated approach: technical barriers, legal mechanisms, strict budgeting and psychological support. A clear implementation of each item of this plan will not only preserve savings, but also create a support system that contributes to the recovery of a dependent loved one.
