Self-exclusion and family control: how to protect loved ones
Introduction
Gambling addiction affects not only the player, but the whole family: financial losses, distrust, conflict. By joining forces, you can not only restrict access to the casino, but also create a stable support and control system that will protect loved ones from temptation and record the first dangerous signals in time.
1. Organization of a family "Buddy-system"
1. Select Control Partner
Appoint a reliable family member or friend who will be a "partner" in monitoring games.
2. Regular "check-ins"
Daily or weekly reports: whether there was a desire to play, how much was spent, what obstacles arose.
3. Codewords and signals
Agree on a "code word" (for example, "stop mouse"), which you say with a strong impulse to play, and the partner quickly intervenes.
2. Co-management of financial resources
1. Separate wallets
Transfer "free for leisure" funds to a separate card or electronic wallet, to which the partner has access.
2. Limits and notifications
Set daily and monthly card limits at the bank; Enable SMS alerts for each transaction.
3. Interim reports
At the end of the week, the partner checks the statements: whether the spending coincides with the announced budget.
3. Technical barriers on devices
1. Co-configuring blockers
Install Gamban or BetBlocker and agree that only the partner knows the delete password.
2. Parental and Network Controls
On smartphones, set up Screen Time (iOS) or Family Link (Android) under the control of a partner.
In your home router, activate the OpenDNS FamilyShield or CleanBrowsing DNS filters.
3. Deleting applications and bookmarks
The partner removes all gambling applications with you and removes casino site shortcuts from browsers.
4. Self-exclusion and legal protection
1. Register with BetStop
Share the form on betstop. gov. au, choose a term (6-12 months or for life).
2. Built-in SD in the casino
With a partner, go to the "Responsible game" → "Self-Exclusion" section in the account of each operator.
3. Performance monitoring
The partner checks a week later: is access really blocked and mailings stopped.
5. Emotional support and family activities
1. Alternative activities
Together, plan trips to the cinema, sports, board games - replace the "excitement" with leisure with your family.
2. Joint goals
Set family financial or educational goals (repairs, vacations, courses) and track their progress instead of rates.
3. Group therapy and GA meetings
Invite a partner to the first Gamblers Anonymous or online peer support sessions so that they understand the problem more deeply.
Conclusion
Family control and self-exclusion are effective allies in the fight against gambling addiction. Combine financial and technical barriers, implement a "buddy system" and replace risky leisure with joint goals. Such a set of measures will protect your loved ones and help avoid repeated breakdowns.
Gambling addiction affects not only the player, but the whole family: financial losses, distrust, conflict. By joining forces, you can not only restrict access to the casino, but also create a stable support and control system that will protect loved ones from temptation and record the first dangerous signals in time.
1. Organization of a family "Buddy-system"
1. Select Control Partner
Appoint a reliable family member or friend who will be a "partner" in monitoring games.
2. Regular "check-ins"
Daily or weekly reports: whether there was a desire to play, how much was spent, what obstacles arose.
3. Codewords and signals
Agree on a "code word" (for example, "stop mouse"), which you say with a strong impulse to play, and the partner quickly intervenes.
2. Co-management of financial resources
1. Separate wallets
Transfer "free for leisure" funds to a separate card or electronic wallet, to which the partner has access.
2. Limits and notifications
Set daily and monthly card limits at the bank; Enable SMS alerts for each transaction.
3. Interim reports
At the end of the week, the partner checks the statements: whether the spending coincides with the announced budget.
3. Technical barriers on devices
1. Co-configuring blockers
Install Gamban or BetBlocker and agree that only the partner knows the delete password.
2. Parental and Network Controls
On smartphones, set up Screen Time (iOS) or Family Link (Android) under the control of a partner.
In your home router, activate the OpenDNS FamilyShield or CleanBrowsing DNS filters.
3. Deleting applications and bookmarks
The partner removes all gambling applications with you and removes casino site shortcuts from browsers.
4. Self-exclusion and legal protection
1. Register with BetStop
Share the form on betstop. gov. au, choose a term (6-12 months or for life).
2. Built-in SD in the casino
With a partner, go to the "Responsible game" → "Self-Exclusion" section in the account of each operator.
3. Performance monitoring
The partner checks a week later: is access really blocked and mailings stopped.
5. Emotional support and family activities
1. Alternative activities
Together, plan trips to the cinema, sports, board games - replace the "excitement" with leisure with your family.
2. Joint goals
Set family financial or educational goals (repairs, vacations, courses) and track their progress instead of rates.
3. Group therapy and GA meetings
Invite a partner to the first Gamblers Anonymous or online peer support sessions so that they understand the problem more deeply.
Conclusion
Family control and self-exclusion are effective allies in the fight against gambling addiction. Combine financial and technical barriers, implement a "buddy system" and replace risky leisure with joint goals. Such a set of measures will protect your loved ones and help avoid repeated breakdowns.
