Since gambling and gambling-related activities are frequently carried out during work hours, coworkers are often in the best position to spot employees with gambling problems.

The workplace is primarily affected through lost time, lost productivity and, in desperate situations, the gambler may resort to theft.

Signs of a possible gambling problem in the workplace:

• Work performance deteriorates as the person is preoccupied, has trouble concentrating, is absent or late for meetings and misses assignment deadlines.
• There are frequent unexplained absences or disappearances from work.
• The person is eager to organize and participate in betting opportunities.
• Pay is requested in lieu of vacation time and large blocks of vacation time are not taken.
• The gambler frequently borrows money and may argue with co-workers about money owed to them.
• The person complains about mounting debts.
• Excessive personal calls are made.
• Mood swings take place from winning and losing streaks.
• Credit card or loan bills are mailed to work rather than home.
• More time is spent gambling during lunch hours and coffee breaks.
• False claims are made against expense accounts.
• Theft of company property takes place.

Gambling addiction should be acknowledged in one’s employee assistance plan. Human Resources departments should have further information.

For every individual with a gambling addiction the lives of at least seven other people are adversely affected. Parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, children, employers and fellow employees must deal with the impact of gambling addiction. There can be significant social impacts resulting from gambling addiction which can generate “hard” economic costs for states, communities and individuals.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that gambling addiction carries an annual cost of $7 billion in bankruptcy, co-occurring disorders and crime.

Other impacts on the community include:

• domestic violence, neglect of children and family and senior abuse,
• relationship break-ups/divorce,
• job loss, unemployment,
• debt, bankruptcy,
• eviction-forced home sales or foreclosure,
• embezzlement, fraud, check forgery,
• crime, arrest, incarceration,
• poor physical and mental health, and suicide.

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Gambling addiction causes severe financial, emotional, social and sometimes physical problems for the gambler and their family. Coping with the negative consequences of gambling addiction can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of shame, guilt and hopelessness.

The National Council on Problem Gambling has reported that about 20% of those diagnosed with disordered gambling attempt suicide – a higher percentage than any other addictive disorder. Family members of people with gambling problems are also at a higher risk of suicide for many of the same reasons. Some studies suggest that the worse the addiction, the more likely it is that the gambler will attempt suicide.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the national suicide helpline number at 1-800-273-8255, call the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE or text “HOPE” to 53342.

To start a conversation:

• Choose a time when there are no distractions and it’s a comfortable place to have a conversation.
• Let the gambler know you care about them and tell them you’re concerned about how they’re acting.
• Explain exactly what they have done that concerns you.
• Share how their behavior is affecting other people – be specific about what you expect from them (“I want you to talk to someone about your gambling”) and what they can expect from you (“I won’t cover for you anymore”).
• After you’ve shared your observations and feelings, allow them to respond. Listen with a non-judgmental attitude
• Let them know you are willing to help, but don’t try to counsel them yourself.
• Provide information, not advice.

Next steps:

• Encourage the family member to take positive steps to deal with their gambling.
• Make steps to seek counseling. Call 1-800-333-HOPE and/or attend a help group (Gambler’s Anonymous, SMART Recovery, etc.)
• Consider asking the gambler to self-exclude from local gambling venues
• If online gambling is an issue, get a free subscription to Gamban or BetBlocker.
• Consider a True Link credit card to protect spending.
• Seek financial consultation or counseling. Free financial counseling for families affected by person with a gambling problem can also get help through the Financial Choice services of LSS Financial Counseling.
• Families are eligible for free counseling in Minnesota, whether or not the gambler is willing to seek help. Call the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE or text “HOPE” to 53342.

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