Son Has Gambling Problem
Your child might be at greater risk of developing a gambling problem if she: smokes, drinks or uses other drugs; is involved in other risk-taking behaviour like fights, vandalism, shoplifting or truancy from school; has problems at school; has a parent with a gambling-related problem. Emotions Your child might be at greater risk of a gambling. Gambling addiction—also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder—is an impulse-control disorder. If you’re a compulsive gambler, you can’t control the impulse to gamble, even when it has negative consequences for you or your loved ones. One of the problems is we live in the state of Nevada-yep, gambling is everywhere. He likes to do sports betting, and he is afraid he will not enjoy sports as much. I guess that when you are recovering from this addiction you have to learn to live your life over, in a sense. I am sorry for going on for so long.
By Judge Cheryl Moss
- For those teens who are problem gamblers, gambling was a common and visible activity in their home. Teen problem gamblers had early gambling experience, often with a parent or someone else they looked up to. Teens with gambling problems were also likely to be heavier users of tobacco and alcohol, and to have used cannabis.
- Here are some warning signs that your teenage son may have a gambling problem: Withdrawing from friends or family Suddenly taken up with a new social group New gambling lingo creeping into his vernacular (words like ‘bookie’ or ‘point spread’).
What does one expect when they land themselves in family court because of a gambling addiction issue? This article describes how a family court judge navigates through court cases involving problem gambling. Your questions are welcomed at the end.
Evaluating the impact of gambling on the family
How does a family court judge address the issue of gambling addiction when it is brought up in the courtroom? First, one must understand that gambling addiction can exist within a marriage or family and it is never brought up in court until and unless one party makes the allegation. If it is an issue, then the judge must figure out what impact the addiction has on the family or marital community.
What is marital waste?
As between spouses, the claim can be relevant to the division of assets and debts. In simple terms, the term “marital waste” involves the spending or dissipation of assets or monies for personal use that did not benefit the marriage and/or caused adverse economic consequences. The most obvious fallout is substantial debts being incurred through ATM withdrawals, credit card charges, payday loans, and cashing out of retirement accounts, among other things.
Child custody cases
In the context of child custody cases, the judge must always consider the best interest of the children, including their safety and well-being. There have been instances where the gambling parent forgets and leaves the children in their car while inside the casino. A parent will likely claim that the other parent spends too much time away from home and has not been caring for the children due to gambling.
Gambling assessments for parents
Some courts, including Nevada, have referred spouses or parents for gambling assessments to determine if there is a problem with gambling. Certified problem gambling counselors do the assessments and report back to the judge. The outcome can be:
- No finding of a gambling problem
- Some signs of gambling but not severe enough
- At the extreme end, problem gambling requiring inpatient treatment and aftercare
If the gambling problem is not severe, the judge may order the gambler to attend education classes on the effects of problem gambling on the marriage and the family.
The debate about the distribution of assets
There is debate in the legal community if a gambling addiction means that the gambler’s conduct was intentional or deliberate. Some lawyers would argue that the gambler acted with deliberation and knew what he or she was doing when they gambled away marital funds. Other lawyers would argue that gambling addiction is a disease and therefore the gambler is unable to control his gambling until he or she gets help. This is relevant to the extent that the judge must decide whether there should be an equal or unequal distribution of the parties’ assets.
Posing a danger to self or children
In the custody context, the judge would monitor the gambler-parent as it relates to his or her care, custody, and control of the minor children. The judge must ensure the gambler-parent does not pose a risk or danger to himself or herself and to the children.
Judges need to recognize and understand the problem
Son Has Gambling Problem Gambling
It is important for judges to recognize gambling addiction issues that come before them. Understanding the problem will be helpful when they issue court orders ensuring the preservation of marital assets and promoting the best interest of children.
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