PRESS COVERAGE

Gambling Expected to Increase as Super Bowl Nears: Effects on Workplace
February 03, 2011

Gambling helplines are preparing for a spike in calls and an increased need for treatment following Super Bowl XLV. In addition to causing problems at home, gambling can also have a negative impact in the workplace.

There are over 6 million Americans who have a gambling problem in a given year, and many see the Super Bowl as way to recoupe losses.

“The odds are that a lot of problem gamblers bet on the Super Bowl as a last ditch effort to get ahead, get even, or just get the bookies off their back,” says Keith Whyte, executive director for National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

The day after the Super Bowl, helplines are expecting to be flooded with calls. "As counselors, we call it ‘Super Bowl Monday," said Uberto Mondolfi psychotherapist who treats problem gamblers at Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG).

However, gambling isn’t confined to the Super Bowl, and the effects of problem gambling are felt throughout the year. The FCCG highlighted the following statistics on problem gamblers in 2010:

• A majority (83 %) were affected by depression and experienced anxiety (81 %). Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts were reported in 11 % of those who called.
  
  
• Almost 60% had resorted to selling or pawning assets in order to obtain money to gamble.
  
  
• Family conflict over gambling was prevalent in 89% of the households.
  
  
• Half (50%) had committed illegal acts to finance their gambling. Acts reported included fraud, larceny, embezzlement, booking and other.
  
  
• Roughly half (53%) were having difficulty at work due to their gambling.

Gambling can cause a variety of work problems, including fighting, lying, cheating, financial difficulty, and even criminal activity among employees. Employee performance can also suffer as a result of depression, lack of concentration, and absences.

To address the problems, employers can create a gambling policy outlining prohibited and permissible activities. Due to the increase of online gambling, internet policies can also help limit the effects of gambling in the workplace. It's important that all policies are consistently enforced.

Finally, compulsive gambling is considered a psychiatric disorder. Employee Assistance Programs can give employees access to professional help, and help them address their problem.

For more information on gambling in the workplace, including how to spot a problem gambler, visit the Gambling topic page on HR.BLR.com.

Help is also available from the following national organizations:

Gamblers Anonymous

NCPG

Article Source: Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling