GAMBLING ADDICTION & THE WORKPLACE

Goals for this presentation  Understand issues related to gambling and workplace fraud/embezzlement  Learn the signs of a gambling problem  Explore the causes of problem gambling  Discuss ways to address problem gambling at the workplace  Become familiarize with resources to address problem gambling

Gambling & Fraud Why should we care?

Theft ends up a bad gamble Woman gets 15 months for stealing $785,000 from her employer. Former assistant manager, First American Title Insurance of Portland, embezzled $800,000 between , sentenced to 15 months federal prison. Portland Tribune - April 20, 2007

Embezzler’s sentenced: 8 years West Linn- During sentencing for stealing $1.4 million, the city’s former finance chief talks of “terrible shame” The Oregonian, November 18, 2006

More Stories of Gambling Related Embezzlement  Aloha woman, stole more than $900,000 from her employer, US Bank, sentenced to 27 months.  Washington County woman, embezzled $275,000 from EasyStreet Online Services, sentenced to state prison.

Why is Gambling Related Crime a Growing Concern? The issue of problem gambling is a growing concern

Gambling Industry is Growing

Gambling in Oregon is Growing  2002 Oregonians spent $1.18 billion on all forms of gambling, $447 per adult 25% more than the national average*  2003 Legislation made way for a 20% increase in Video Lottery Terminals  2004A ninth tribal casino opened in Oregon  2005The Lottery expanded into video slots  2006Lottery exceeds $1 billion in sales, video lottery sales up 24% over previous year Source: * Eco Northwest, 2005

Societal Acceptance = More Gamblers  Industry perpetuates a vision of gambling as entertaining, glamorous and as a means of achieving financial freedom.  Recent surge in reality TV gambling shows

More Gamblers, More Problem Gamblers Prevalence of gambling disorders is a function of the overall level of gambling participation

The More Problem Gamblers, the More Gambling Related Crimes  Moore & Marotta ( 2006). 43% of women and 38% of men entering gambling treatment reported so have committed an illegal act related to their gambling.  Smith, Wynne, & Hartnagel (2003) Gambling related crime was responsible for 2.7% of Edmonton police records in  National Gambling Impact Study Commission (1999). A third of problem and pathological gamblers had been arrested, compared to 10% of low-risk gamblers and 4% of non-gamblers

What is Problem Gambling? Gambling continuum Definitions Signs & symptoms

Continuum of gambling behavior No Gambling Experimentation Social At-RiskProblemPathological Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Sandy 4 th grade teacher Pam Former Credit Union VP (incarcerated for embezzlement) Warren Cornell University Economics Degree Problem Gamblers often high functioning and bright usually employed often not the typical user of social services enter treatment later easier to hide: no obvious physical signs of addiction, nor physical limitations to the process (i.e. don’t OD from too much gambling ) Jane Grandma stole 250K to gamble Source: National Council on Problem Gambling voices of recovery

Problem gambling defined “All patterns of gambling behavior that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.”

Indicators of problem gambling Increase in gambling time and places Increase in size of bets Working up special occasions for gambling Intensity of interest in gambling Boasting wins; evading loses Exaggerated display of money and other possessions

More Indicators Gambling when there is a crisis Drop off in other activities/interests Frequent absences from school, work and home Excessive phone use Withdrawal from family Personality changes (irritability/hostility) Diversion of funds earmarked for other purposes

Pathological Gambling  Synonymous with “compulsive”, “addicted”, “clinical”, “diagnosable” and “Level 3”  Classified in DSM-IV as an Impulse Control Disorder  Diagnostic criteria is similar to that of Substance Abuse/Dependence

What Causes Problem Gambling Public Health Model

What Causes Gambling Problems? Host (Gambler)Agent (Gambling Device) -genetics-speed of play -biology-bet size -coping style-control -psychological-stimulus load vulnerabilities-reinforcement -traitsstructure Environment Social culture, political culture, gaming venue, family culture, availability, environmental stressors

Interactions Among the Host, Agent, and Environment The causes of problem gambling are complex and may emanate from diverse sources a mix of individual traits social and economic circumstances overall community environment Commission, 1998

Workplace Interventions

Co-workers are often the first line of defense  The workplace is used as a shield to hide the problem gambling from family members.  The challenge is to identify the problem gambler before they become desperate.  It is important that all employers and employees develop a greater awareness of the signs associated with a gambling problem.

Workplace signs of a gambling problem  Work performance deteriorates pre-occupied trouble concentrating absent or late for meetings misses assignment deadlines.  Frequent unexplained absences or disappearances from work.  Eager to organize and participate in betting opportunities.

Workplace signs of a gambling problem  Frequently borrows money, argues with co-workers about money that is owed to them.  Complains about mounting debts.  Excessive use of the telephone for personal calls.  Experiences mood swings, often related to winning and losing streaks.  Credit card or loan bills are mailed to work rather than home.

Workplace signs of a gambling problem  Increasingly spends more time gambling during lunch hours and coffee breaks.  Pay is requested in lieu of vacation time  False claims are made against expense accounts.  Theft of property.

Effects on the workplace  The workplace is primarily affected through: Lost Time Lost Productivity Theft, Fraud and Embezzlement

What can supervisors do?  Express concerns in a caring and supportive manner  Use work-related observations  Explain how the problem affects you  Be clear about your position  Respect personal boundaries  Provide information, not advice  Be prepared for denial or a hostile reaction

What can organizations do?  Policy statements  Provide awareness training  Make financial counseling available  Monitor the money stream

Resources

Free awareness resources Speakers Videos Handouts Posters and brochures

Problem Gambling Help Line: Free and confidential; staffed by professional counselors Phone: 1 (877) MY LIMIT Online: 1877mylimit.org (chat, IM, )

Treatment in Oregon Continuum of Care Gambling Evaluation and Reduction Program (GEAR) Corrections Program 27 outpatient treatment centers 3 crisis-respite programs 1 residential treatment program

Conclusions  Problem gambling is a real and growing concern for security professionals and others. Effects about 1 in 37 adults.  We need to implement measures to address problem gambling in the workplace. Policies, increase awareness  Resources are available. Utilize your local resources