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Identifying signs of your partner's gambling addiction

Gambling and Relationships | Center for Addiction Research Seeks Input

By

Emily Johnson

Feb 7, 2026, 03:26 AM

2 minutes reading time

A person looks worried while watching another person focused on a sports betting app on their phone.

A recent call for participants raises questions about the impact of sports gambling on relationships. Researchers from the Center for Addiction Science, Policy, and Research (CASPR) are actively seeking individuals whose partners face gambling issues. As awareness of gambling's repercussions grows, some skeptics remain wary of the study's intentions.

Study Context and Concerns

While CASPR aims to gather insights from people affected by their partnerโ€™s gambling, critics voice concerns on the validity of such research. One commenter questioned the funding behind the study, asking, "Who is funding your study?" This raises a significant issue within the realm of gambling research.

The commenter further pressed, "What will it take for us to get to that point again?" This reflects a broader sentiment among many people frustrated with gambling's societal acceptance, noting its historical pushback periods in the 1920s. Many argue for a deeper investigation into how gambling affects individuals and the families they impact.

"90% of these studies are funded by casinos and think they are all crap," lamented another community member, highlighting skepticism toward potential biases in findings.

Themes and Sentiments

Several key themes emerged from the discussion surrounding the study:

  • Funding Transparency: Users demand clarity on who finances the research. Concerns loom that industry-backed studies may skew results.

  • Societal Impact: Many wonder why gambling continues to be promoted despite the visible harm it causes to relationships and society at large.

  • Addiction Awareness: Observers contend that gambling addiction mirrors other addictions with equally damaging effects but receives less public scrutiny.

Interestingly, while conversations swirl around funding and purpose, the underlying issue remains: the long-term effects of gambling on personal relationships.

Key Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Many commenters question study funding origins.

  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Public calls for accountability in gambling promotions persist.

  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ "What is one more study going to do?" is a sentiment echoed by many.

The ongoing dialogue about gambling's role in modern society sets the stage for this research. As CASPR seeks voices willing to share their experiences, the concerns voiced by the community illustrate the critical gap between study objectives and public skepticism over the gambling industry.

Curiously, will future research finally give due attention to the real issues surrounding gambling addiction and its collective aftermath?

What Lies Ahead for Gambling Research

Experts predict that as public awareness of gambling addiction grows, more studies like the one by CASPR will emerge. There's a strong chance that findings from these initiatives will drive regulatory changes. Approximately 70% of people believe gambling requires stricter oversight, driven by concerns over how it affects personal relationships. As legislators consider more comprehensive policies around gambling, they may seek input from those affected, potentially leading to a more informed conversation on addiction in society.

A Lesson from the Prohibition Era

An intriguing parallel can be drawn between the current scrutiny of gambling and the Prohibition era in the United States. Just as the ban on alcohol gave rise to underground operations and a culture of secrecy, today's gambling landscape is often shrouded in conflict between regulation and personal freedom. Both situations highlight how societal acceptance can shift, creating friction where once there was indifference. This historical context underscores the likelihood that the tide may turn against gambling sponsorships if society demands greater accountability, much like the eventual repeal of Prohibition in the face of overwhelming public dissatisfaction.