The problems gambling can cause in the workplace

For many people gambling is not a harmful activity, but for some it can be a serious problem. A recent Reed in Partnership report found that 10% of working adults have direct experience of the problems gambling can cause in the workplace and more than four in five British adults think that gambling and debt can be a distraction for people in work.

Gambling problems are incredibly complex, with motivations and triggers that vary for each individual, however concentration and behaviour at work has been found to be affected by gambling, leading to a loss of productivity.


Common impacts of problem gambling

  • Financial difficulty, debt and bankruptcy
  • Relationship breakdown (including divorce)
  • Lost productivity
  • Crime (e.g. theft and fraud)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression, stress and anxiety
  • Substance misuse
  • Isolation and loneliness
  • Suicide

What does it cost your business?

  • 5% of fraud now related to problem gambling (up to £225 million each year)1
  • Employee sickness and other absence
  • Impacts on employee mental health
  • Reduced productivity
  • Damage to your reputation

Protecting your business and supporting your employees

The National Gambling HelpLine and GamCare counselling services can support your current Employee Assistance Programme and provide additional safeguarding – our free advice and support is available nationwide to aid employee welfare.

GamCare can also assist your business in developing robust workplace gambling policies, and in providing training for HR and managers to identify potential problem gambling behaviour and provide appropriate support and signposting.


About GamCare:

  • Leading national provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling
  • Operates the National Gambling HelpLine (Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at gamcare.org.uk, 8am – Midnight, seven days a week)
  • Free online and face-to-face counselling provided throughout England, Scotland and Wales
  • For information on bespoke training and consultancy, contact info@gamcare.org.uk


External links:

  1. BDO Fraudtrack Report, February 2016: http://www.bdo.co.uk/news/bdo-fraudtrack-report
  2. http://www.reedinpartnership.co.uk/gambling
Author
Zoe Tansey


Zoe.Tansey@cityoflondon.gov.uk