This is alarming when you consider the fact that more than two-thirds (66 percent) of callers into the Employee Assistance Program at Bensinger, DuPont & Associates (BDA) during the month of March, 2006, indicated that employees gamble in their workplace. And, nearly half (48%) of the callers report that gambling negatively impacts workplace productivity.

"While problem gambling isn't always the first thing that comes to mind when an employee displays problems at work, employers need to better understand the addiction and how to spot warning signs," says Isabelle Duguay, coordinator of gambling services for Bensinger, Dupont & Associates, a Chicago-based provider of employee assistance programs and operator of problem gambling helplines.

The American Psychological Association, which classifies compulsive gambling as a mental health disorder, estimates 2 percent to 4 percent of Americans have an active gambling problem. Research also shows that the incidence of problem gambling doubles with the presence of another addiction, such as alcohol or substance abuse. "Given these findings, it's clear that if left untreated, a gambling problem can eventually turn a valuable employee into a liability."

Especially as gambling becomes increasingly acceptable in society, employers need to be aware of the following signs of problem gambling:

• Preoccupation with gambling (reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, or thinking of ways in which to gamble)
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
• Lying to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
• Suggestions by others that the person might have a gambling problem
• Bragging about wins, but not talking about losses
• Requesting pay in lieu of vacation time or large blocks of vacation time are not taken.
• Frequently borrowing money or arguing with co-workers about money that is owed to them.
• Complaining about mounting debts.
• Experiencing mood swings, often related to winning and losing streaks.

• Create a workplace gambling policy. Only one-third of callers into BDA's EAP reported having a policy on workplace gambling. A clear, consistently applied policy defining what activities are prohibited and permitted can go a long way toward ensuring workplace gambling does not spin out of control.
• Provide awareness training. Without awareness, problem gambling will not be detected. The signs of a gambling problem are seldom identified as gambling related. Training can help employees and employers to recognize the warning signs and be prepared to offer appropriate assistance.
• Make problem gambling counseling available. Problem gambling is a serious mental health disorder that needs immediate and appropriate attention. At-risk employees can get the confidential help they need from a company's employee assistance program.