This element needs to explored. Psychotherapy to explore the source of the psychological preconditions that might emanate from family and spousal relations needs to be explored to determine if that is the source of the void that is being filled by the destructive behavior. They can stop gambling, regain their self-esteem and, once again, earn the trust and love of family and friends. Treatment is available by trained and certified counselors who understand this addiction. There is also the twelve step program of Gamblers Anonymous for continued support.
Compulsive gamblers can actually return to a normal life.
Here are the steps. We admitted we were powerless over gambling - that our lives had become unmanageable. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding. Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves.