Sadly our family has been dealing with a very similar scenario with my brother. He was extremely bright and a wonderful sportsman. Started gambling at 18 and is now 31. I would loosely say a ‘functioning’ gambling addict. He is single, has a well paid job & spends every spare cent gambling. He is always broke. It has ruined his life & he is completely damaged from it. We have all tried to help but the hold it has over him is just too strong.