Gambling addiction is often kept secret, and a web of excuses becomes ever denser over time. In the following conversation, a family member describes how she noticed her husband’s addiction and how things developed. The name was changed at the family’s request.
Ronald Mechtler: How did you notice that something was wrong?
Sabine Meier: My husband spent more and more time alone in front of the computer. He became quieter, withdrew, and reacted irritably as soon as I brought it up. That was not the man I knew at all.
Ronald Mechtler: How did things continue?
Sabine Meier: At some point I noticed that money was missing from our savings accounts. I confronted him about it, and he admitted everything. Together with his best friend, we got him to begin therapy.
Ronald Mechtler: And how did you come across the possibility of a reclaim?
Sabine Meier: After my husband had told us where he had lost the money, we did some research. We found out that the online casino had no licence in Austria. That is how we came across R. M. Prozessfinanzierung.
Ronald Mechtler: How did you experience the proceedings?
Sabine Meier: I was aware that things would not become good overnight. After a few months, however, with support we were able to recover a considerable part of the lost money. My husband continues to attend therapy and is making progress. As a couple we have grown closer, and our fears about making ends meet have eased.
Ronald Mechtler: Thank you for your trust and openness.
Help and reclaim
Gambling addiction is an illness with serious consequences for families, finances and health. Anyone who feels they can no longer control their gambling should seek independent support in the area of player protection, and this also applies to family members. An overview of recognised counselling centres is provided by the Federal Ministry of Finance player protection, support services.
Losses at an online casino without an Austrian licence can at the same time be reclaimed under civil law. We assess every case free of charge and say openly whether a reclaim is realistic. In the event of success, R. M. Prozessfinanzierung GmbH retains from 35 percent of the amount obtained, and the remaining amount is paid out to you. You can read more about this on the page Online casino and gambling.