Marion County Oregon - Problem Gambling in the Workplace

Problem Gambling Prevention

Problem Gambling in the Workplace

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Problem Gambling in the Workplace

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Most people gamble for fun or don’t gamble at all, but a small percentage of adults (3%) cross the line and develop a problem. More than 74,000 Oregonians are classified as problem or pathological gamblers. In Marion County that adds up to more than 7,000 problem gamblers. Most of these problem gamblers are employed. Problem gambling is a big risk and should be taken seriously by employers.

Employment status: Oregon Problem Gamblers in Treatment
           2%       Unknown
           3%       Irregular
           10%     Part Time
           14%     Not Employed/Not Looking
           17%     Not Employed/Looking
           54%     Fulltime

Employees affected with problem gambling are more likely to:

Lose their jobs, be demoted

Fall deeply into debt and file for bankruptcy

Lose their homes and personal property

Accumulate legal fees due to divorce, criminal activities

Run up medical, mental health bills

A correlation between gambling and all forms of substance abuse exists – businesses can incorporate problem gambling prevention into their current existing healthy workforce message.

Unique Dangers of Workplace Gambling

Convenience

Video lottery terminals in restaurants, deli's, bars, taverns

Internet gambling

Mobile phones

Easy to hide problem

Few outward signs

Lack of community awareness

Workplace Signs of a Problem

Performance Issues

Decreased efficiency

Poor quality work

Lack of concentration

Preoccupation or distraction

Anxiety, stressed, depression

Excessive use of the phone or internet

Time Issues

Chronically late/absent to work

Unexplained absences

Extended lunches or breaks

Missed deadlines

Financial Issues

Frequently borrows money from co-workers

Complains about mounting debt

Bills mailed to work-not home

Frequently requests salary advances

Willing works OT-for pay

Falsifies financial records

Theft of company property or embezzlement of funds

Toolkit for Protecting You Business

For free resources and tools designed to protect businesses from the negative effects of problem gambling, check out the on-line Business Toolkit

Free on-site training workshops for employees and supervisors are also available to all Marion County businesses. Call or email Lisa Miller to schedule training @ 503.981.2461 or lmiller@co.marion.or.us.

“Want another option? Try the on-line webinar “Gambling Away Your Bottom Line…What’s a Business to Do?” hosted by Cascade Employers Association located at      http://www.cascadeemployers.com/index.cfm”

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