GamCare, a gambling support charity, is advocating for increased workplace support for employees affected by gambling.

Recent YouGov research involving over 5,000 adults revealed that only 9% of workplaces have support policies for gambling issues. In contrast, 47% have policies for mental health, 17% for alcohol misuse, and 15% for drug misuse.

With up to 1.6 million individuals in the UK struggling with gambling, GamCare—part of the National Gambling Support Network—suggests that workplaces could provide safe spaces for employees to disclose gambling problems and access necessary support services.

Data from the National Gambling Helpline indicates that one in ten callers reported workplace difficulties due to gambling.

The YouGov survey also highlights a communication gap between employees and employers. Only 28% of those gambling at harmful levels felt confident disclosing their gambling issues to their employer, compared to 57% who would tell friends and 42% who would tell family.

Similarly, just 35% of those affected by someone else’s gambling felt confident discussing it with their employer, compared to 49% with family and 60% with friends.

Samantha Turton, Head of Remote Support Services at GamCare, stated: “Gambling is often referred to as the ‘hidden’ addiction, where it’s often more difficult to spot the signs of an issue than drink or drugs.

“This is why it’s even more important to create channels where people can discuss issues that may come from it, and workplaces are a fantastic place where this can be done in a safe and supportive way.”

Katy Wilson, Operations and Business Development Lead at Betknowmore UK, added: “Employers may not always know when there are issues with gambling occurring in their workplaces, but it’s really important there are avenues available to disclose it.

“Like with policies on other harms, the first step is often to create a safer gambling policy and signal to staff that they can come forward with this in a safe and secure way.