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.

Colleagues may notice more emotional distress by either the gambler or a gambler’s loved one as they face the increasing pressures presented by this addiction.

Physical and emotional health problems associated with excessive gambling can further diminish work performance and attendance. Depression, anxiety, high blood pressure or stress-related illness can surface in individuals with gambling-related problems and their family members.

GAMBLING IN THE WORKPLACE

The normalization of gambling has been fostered by workmates offering to set up fantasy football or basketball brackets during college tournament time. While this is not sanctioned gambling, it falls way below authorities’ radars and is considered harmless. However, for the workmate in recovery, who may be keeping their recovery private, these kinds of activities as well as other kinds of gambling activities – raffles, pooled lottery tickets, etc. can be triggers for those new to their recovery journey.

Workplace Signs of a Gambling Problem

• Work performance deteriorates; the person is preoccupied, has trouble concentrating, is absent or late for meetings and misses assignment deadlines.
• Frequent unexplained absences or disappearances from work.
• Eager to organize and participate in betting opportunities.
• Pay is requested in lieu of vacation time; large blocks of vacation time are not taken.
• Frequently borrows money, argues with co-workers about money that is owed to them.
• Complains about mounting debts.
• Excessive personal calls.
• Experiences mood swings often related to winning and losing streaks.
• Credit card or loan bills are mailed to work rather than home.
• Increasingly spends more time gambling during lunch hours and coffee breaks.
• False claims are made against expense accounts.
• Theft of company property.

Remember, gambling addiction is an addiction and should be acknowledged in one’s employee assistance plan. Consult your human resource department for further information.

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For every individual with a gambling addiction the lives of at least seven other people who are close to him or her 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. The families of problem gamblers 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 talking about suicide, call the national suicide helpline number at 1-800-273-8255 or call the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE or text “HOPE” to 53342.

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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 and 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 1-800-333-HOPE and/or attend a help group (Gambler’s Anonymous, SMART Recovery, etc.)
• Consider self-excluding from local gambling venues.
• If online gambling is an issue, get a free subscription to Gamban or BetBlocker.
• Consider a True Link credit card
• Seek financial consultation or 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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