New research by the UTAS School of Sociology and Social Work has shown that problem gambling has a ripple effect on not only immediate, but also extended family members.

The study by senior lecturer Dr Janet Patford - published in the Australian Journal of Primary Health - concentrates on how parents and parents-in-law experience, understand and respond to an adult child’s gambling addiction.

Dr Patford interviewed 15 participants and found problem gambling impacted on the emotional and financial stability of the extended families of the gambler.

“Findings indicate that the repercussions of an adult child’s gambling may damage parents and parents-in-law financially, complicate their family relationships and erode their health and well-being."