But for problem and pathological gamblers, excessive spending on gambling has serious consequences for the family. Often it means that bills don't get paid, utilities are cut off and the grocery money dwindles. Gambling can only pose a problem for cash-starved families whose income is low already. Family relationships also suffer in the face of problem and pathological gambling, and spouses and children bear much of the burden. Another study reported that although compulsive gamblers tend to be less violent than the general population, their spouses tend to be more violent.
Negative effects extend to the children of pathological gamblers.
At the recently opened Casino Rama in Orillia, Ontario, some parents left their children alone in cars or wandering around the parking lots while they gambled. The situation became so bad that Casino Rama officials made an announcement over the loudspeaker requesting all such parents to leave the casino. Problem and pathological gamblers often turn to crime to support their gambling habits after legal sources of funds are exhausted. While figures are not available, one can safely assume that the costs of arrest, prosecution and incarceration for gambling-related offenses are high. Nor do matters necessarily improve if the offending gambler is sent to prison.