MY dad has a serious gambling problem, what can we do to force him to get help before he bankrupts the family?

WHat options or choices do we as a family have?

Gam-Anon is for families of compulsive gamblers. It helped me a lot, when I needed it.

I am very sorry to hear that. I believe that he is the one who needs to want to stop and then get him to Gamblers anonymous but there is also help at that organization for the families. Talk to someone there. Good luck

One thing you can do is go speak to the bookie and ask that he/she refuse to take his bets. Hide his wallet,or better yet,get him enrolled for counseling.

Look up the local chapter of Gambler's Anonymous and ask about a family intervention. That is where the entire family and friends get together and approaches the person with his/her addiction.

THis is tough,
you cannot really force him, taking in to the fact that he is your dad.

But you can leave hints that he needs to stop,
for instance, find pamphlets on gambling problems and leave them around the house.

Or plain and simple, if you think that he will listen to what you have to say, then just talk to him. Other wise involve other family members into the information that you have...

the longer you leave it the worse it will be for you.

My poor father, was so addicted to gambling and it cost him everything. He would pay the card rooms and let us go hungry, and let the gas and lights get turned off, and go without clothes. My mom loved him so much, but he was addicted...I would love to see a campaign to where gambling is outlawed, but it won't be...maybe he has an ocd disorder? people who do that usually want the quick fix to feel good about themselves...and like to be a winner. He needs for you all to sit down, and let him know that you love him, how much he means to you, and please, before he loses you all and everything, he needs to get some help..but don't judge him, or be harsh, it will make things worse, I promise you...right before my dad died ten years ago, I remeber him telling my mom, "this sickness ruined our lives, didn't it?" he was sleeping in his car..and i loved him so much...good luck

keep him loked in a room and say, no gabling for today, and say, you can only gamble once if you dont this week.

This is his choice to stop. He will only stop when he is ready, but until then make is so he no longer has any access to your and your family bank accounts. Explain to the bank they should understand. When he runs into trouble do not I repeat DO NOT help him out. he need to learn. when he is ready he will get the help he needs.

Even then do not let him have access to you or the family bank accounts.