“Betting on Trouble: The Odds are that Workplace Gambling Costs More Than Just Wages”

Gambling is more accessible than ever. A few taps on a smartphone can place a bet, spin a roulette wheel, or buy into an online poker game all without leaving your desk. For employers, this growing ease of access has created a potentially damaging workplace issue: gambling during working hours. While it may seem like a personal problem, gambling at work can quickly become a business risk, affecting productivity, finances, team spirit, and the overall wellbeing of staff. 

Financial Consequences for the Business 

The most immediate concern for employers is lost productivity. Time spent gambling during working hours is time not spent working. While the occasional flutter may appear harmless, the reality is that compulsive or regular gambling at work can significantly reduce focus, performance, and reliability. 

Beyond this, there’s the potential for direct financial loss. Historically, problem gambling has led employees to commit fraud, theft, or falsify expenses to fund their habit. These actions not only incur financial costs but can damage a business’s reputation, particularly if clients or the public are affected. 

Even if criminal activity is not involved, the cost of absenteeism, presenteeism (being at work but not mentally present), and staff turnover linked to gambling-related stress or disciplinary processes can add up quickly. 

The Human Impact: Mental Health and Relationships 

Compulsive gambling is rarely just about the money. At its core, gambling addiction is a mental health issue. For those affected, the need to bet can become overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, shame, and in some cases, depression or suicidal thoughts. 

If this struggle is happening under an employer’s roof, there’s a duty of care to consider. A team member suffering silently may withdraw from colleagues, miss deadlines, or act out of character. Left unaddressed, this can lead to isolation, conflict with co-workers, and damage to team morale. 

Employers may also observe more subtle signs, for example an employee who is constantly checking betting apps, becoming irritable after losses, or trying to involve others in gambling activities. 

We always encourage managers and colleagues to look out for some of the more subtle signs of gambling impacting one of their team. One of the red flags is a sudden change in attendance patterns. Employees who begin to have timekeeping or attendance issues could be late-night gambling. Sports betting online is now available around the clock and people can find themselves involved in gambling on events in different time zones, playing through the night and arriving at work exhausted, if at all. 

Another warning sign is financial stress between colleagues. We’ve seen instances of staff members borrowing money from each other to get through the month, due to losses from gambling. This creates uncomfortable changes to relationships, breaks down team cohesion, and in some cases, leaves individuals vulnerable to exploitation or embarrassment. 

Betting Between Colleagues: More Than Just Banter 

Betting between colleagues, whether it’s a Grand National sweepstake or regular bets on fantasy football outcomes may seem harmless, even fun. However, it can lead to exclusion, pressure, or even bullying. 

A workplace where gambling is normalised can create an uncomfortable environment for employees who choose not to participate, or who are recovering from gambling-related harm. In some cases, 'harmless' bets can spiral into peer pressure, escalating stakes, or disputes over unpaid winnings, potentially damaging work relationships and splitting teams into factions. 

Betting Apps and Online Gaming 

Modern gambling is not limited to the racetrack or the casino. Betting apps, online slots, crypto trading games, and virtual sports are designed to be addictive and ever-present. 

Without clear boundaries, it can be difficult to distinguish between a personal break and a descent into problem digital gambling. Monitoring and managing this in a workplace context, particularly with hybrid or remote teams, poses a growing challenge for employers. 

What Can Employers Do? 

The good news is that businesses can take proactive steps to protect both their workforce and their organisation. 

1. Create a Clear Policy 

Having a clear, compassionate policy on gambling in the workplace is key. It should outline expectations around gambling during working hours, the use of company devices, and betting between staff. It should also set out support pathways for those seeking help. 

2. Promote Awareness and Education 

Gambling can be a difficult subject to talk about. Hosting awareness sessions, sharing resources, and training line managers to spot warning signs can make a difference. Helping staff understand the risks and the support available is essential. 

3. Offer Confidential Support 

Sometimes the hardest step is asking for help. Employers should signpost to support organisations, or better still, offer confidential support services such as coaching or employee assistance programmes. 

Third-party services, such as addiction recovery coaching (not counselling), can be an accessible and stigma-free way for employees to address concerns before they spiral. Services like Change with CADAS offer tailored support for people who know their behaviour is becoming a problem but might not consider themselves addicted. 

4. Encourage an Inclusive Workplace Culture 

Creating a culture that supports mental health, encourages open dialogue, and doesn’t rely on gambling as a team bonding tool is essential. Not everyone enjoys betting and many are actively harmed by it. 

Final Thoughts 

Gambling at work is a sensitive issue but ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. Left unchecked, it can have financial, legal, and human consequences that affect more than just the individual involved. 

By taking a compassionate, proactive approach, employers can help protect their business, support their staff, and promote a healthier, more productive workplace.