How exactly is gambling a key problem? Gambling can only affect a personal relationship when addiction falls in place. When we speck of addiction, some how to me it's when someone who consistently loose to the house keeps playing to the extend of stealing or loaning funds to gamble. This way he is becoming stress over something he isn't certain to have a possible result which might leave him somany bills and dept to pay. From this, I will say such person is becoming irresponsible and this might end up damaging his relationship not only with a spouse but also to his local area. On the other hand for someone who sometimes wins and losses, understand his limits and when to stop, I will call this a responsible gambler. And such person can maintain a health relationship.