Gambling, gaming and work
For most people, gambling and gaming are a recreational activity without problems, while a minority of the population develops problems related to it.
Problematic gambling and gaming arises when people are unable to control the extent of their own gambling/gaming, despite clear negative consequences for themselves and those around them.
Extent of gambling problems
Several studies have been carried out in recent years to map the extent of gambling problems in the population. The most recent study was conducted by the University of Bergen on behalf of the Norwegian Gambling Authority (Lotteritilsynet) (Extent of gambling and gaming problems in Norway, 2022).
The survey shows that in Norway we have approximately:
- Gambling among the working population: 14,137 (0.5%) problem gamblers, 62,205 (2.2%) moderate-risk gamblers, 229,026 (8.1%) low-risk gamblers
- Gambling in the population: 23,000 problem gamblers, 93,000 moderate-risk gamblers and 312,000 low-risk gamblers
- Gaming in the population: 0.7% gaming-addicted and 5% problem gamers
How to prevent gambling problems in the workplace
We experience a strong desire and need from organisations to increase knowledge about gambling problems in Norwegian workplaces, and we recommend using the workplace as an arena for public education. Here we have the opportunity to notice changes in each other; we have routines, roles and responsibilities that make it possible to address problems at an early stage and to reverse negative developments in individuals. This requires knowledge about the phenomenon, and about how to prevent and manage it.
Experience from dialogue with treatment services and people with gambling problems shows a higher degree of moral devaluation of gambling problems than, for example, substance problems. Attitudes such as "can't they just stop gambling, they should know better" prevent constructive dialogue and explain even greater shame among employees with gambling problems than among those with substance problems. Unlike substance problems, no substances are consumed in connection with a gambling problem, and extra shame is experienced in this way.
We recommend using the Akan model to prevent and manage gambling problems, based on practical experience and research. Researcher and associate professor at the University of Gothenburg, Per Binde (2015), points to the following preventive measures as effective:
- A policy that includes gambling/gaming, the organisation's attitude to gaming during working hours, gaming in free time that leads to absence or reduced work capacity, the consequences of not following the policy — a living document (ref. the Akan model).
- Knowledge about problem gambling.
- Prevalence, characteristics, stigma, shame, and consequences for employer and employees.
- Attention to signs and symptoms of problematic gambling behaviour.
- Control: blocking access to games from the workplace's computers; good financial routines.
- Responding to problematic gambling behaviour at the workplace.
- Conversation, asking open questions, being clear about the workplace's policy, and confronting on suspicion of embezzlement (gambling).
- Offering help, rehabilitation and treatment: adapting the work situation, suitable treatment and close follow-up.
We distinguish between gambling and gaming because the games, the purpose, the extent and the consequences are so different.