Serious question re: a college student gambling

My son, soon to graduate with a good job lined up, has always shared his bank account with us so that we could easily provide cash at need. Recently we saw that he has started making large transfers to and from BetMGM (mostly to them, as expected).Previously, he had lost several thousand trading options (I do my kids taxes).

So here is the question: how to approach a family member if you suspect a potential addiction or problem? Obviously we don’t want to push him away, but saying nothing seems like a bad choice also. I would appreciate any thoughts.

Follow Ups:

• Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. We’ll let you know what we do and the result * - Centauri2 [09:23:51 04/12/24]
• I would start with a simple question. Son, how bad is your gambling problem? If he has a problem, you will - Smartwater [00:35:06 04/12/24]
  • I think that's a great question to ask in this situation. * - Potsy's PIMPS [08:38:14 04/12/24]
• I would check out addictive behavior before taking a step * - woodhaze [22:23:03 04/11/24]
  • Yes, you can do a lot of background research on the net, then decide on first steps * - Club Seats [23:48:58 04/11/24]
• I'm not a gambler, so I can't speak to that type of thing, but I'll pray for you and your family (m) - LebBuck [21:53:41 04/11/24]
• A gambler needs to have rules. Like never use credit cards, never bet more than 10% - Potsy's PIMPS [21:12:42 04/11/24]
  • Gambling is extremely addictive. Just like an alcoholic or drug addict can't follow whatever (m) - SaltLakeCity Buck [22:04:19 04/11/24]
    • Totally agree, he suspects a potential problem. Maybe he needs guidelines and help, or maybe he's past that point. * - Potsy's PIMPS [06:46:38 04/12/24]
      • Yes Pots. The line crossing over into addiction is not visible in real time, unfortunately. * - SaltLakeCity Buck [08:25:10 04/12/24]
        • True. I had a couple of college friends who got sucked in bad. One even skipped town and went off the - Potsy's PIMPS [08:37:13 04/12/24]
• I have no advice but wish you the best. Very serious issue that you are right to be concerned about (m) - 1$’s 2¢ [19:17:23 04/11/24]
  • 100% correct. * - SaltLakeCity Buck [06:07:42 04/12/24]
• That's a tough one. My daughter told us of a friend whose fiance gambled away their entire savings... - TheTalisman [18:52:37 04/11/24]
• Seriously, you need to consult with a prof. psychiatrist. This is not simple problem(m) - Club Seats [18:46:05 04/11/24]
  • +1. An honest conversation with him where you share your concerns. Let him know that you are happy to help him if (m) - SaltLakeCity Buck [22:06:19 04/11/24]
  • This response made me think of Lost in America (which I actually saw in (m) - 1$’s 2¢ [19:29:04 04/11/24]