Understanding and addressing gambling-related harm in the workplace

Gambling, often seen as a harmless leisure activity, can quickly escalate into a serious addiction with profound personal and professional consequences. The economic and social costs associated with gambling-related harms now stands at approximately £1.05 to £1.77 billion each year. In the workplace, this issue is particularly concerning when an employee’s betting behaviours become harmful to the organisation.

The personal journey of Craig Cornforth

Craig Cornforth, Senior Business Development Manager at EPIC Global Solutions, provided compelling insight during Cifas’ Insider Threat Week of how gambling addiction can turn a dedicated employee into an insider threat.

With a background in sales and over two decades in the car trade, Cornforth initially maintained a casual relationship with gambling. However, the advent of online betting changed things dramatically.

The ease of access and the variety of betting options – at one time he held over 60 gambling accounts – led him down a dangerous path. Gambling became an all-consuming obsession. He recalls how 83% of all transactions he made during his final year of betting was to finance his addiction. The obsession culminated in him embezzling funds from the business he helped build, resulting in the loss of his job, home, and relationship, and bringing him perilously close to imprisonment.​

Cornforth’s recovery began in October 2017, it marks both his last bet and the start of a transformative journey. He joined EPIC Global Solutions, leveraging his personal experiences to educate others about the dangers of gambling addiction. His story underscores the deceptive nature of gambling problems and the critical need for awareness and intervention in the workplace.​

The impact of gambling addiction on UK businesses

Gambling addiction can have multifaceted detrimental effects on organisations, including:

• Financial fraud and embezzlement: Employees may misappropriate company funds to sustain their gambling habits.​
• Reduced productivity and absenteeism: Gambling-related distractions can lead to decreased work performance and increased absenteeism.​
• Reputational damage: Incidents of fraud or misconduct linked to gambling can tarnish an organisation’s public image.​
• Workplace conflict and team morale issues: The stress and behavioural changes associated with gambling addiction can disrupt team dynamics and lower morale.​
• Legal and compliance risks: Organisations may face legal repercussions if employees engage in unlawful activities due to gambling debts.​
• Increased turnover and hiring costs: The fallout from gambling-related issues can lead to higher employee turnover and associated recruitment expenses.​

Stages of an insider threat

Recent Cifas research found 50% of key decision-makers were concerned their organisation could be impacted by an insider threat. Therefore, understanding the progression of an insider threat is vital for prevention:

1. Opportunity: The individual identifies gaps or weaknesses in organisational controls that can be exploited.​
2. Motivation: Personal factors, such as mounting gambling debts, drive the individual to consider unethical actions.​
3. Rationalisation: The individual justifies their misconduct, perhaps viewing it as a temporary issue or believing they will repay stolen funds.​

Recognising the signs of workplace gambling

Identifying employees struggling with gambling can be challenging, as many go to great lengths to conceal their behaviour. However, certain indicators may signal a problem:

• Financial hardship: Requests for salary advances, borrowing money from colleagues, or signs of financial distress.​
• Behavioural changes: Increased absenteeism, tardiness, or a noticeable decline in work performance.​
• Physical and mental health issues: Neglect of personal hygiene, signs of malnourishment, mood swings, anxiety, depression, or misuse of substances.​
• Social withdrawal: Avoidance of social interactions, difficulty contacting them outside of work, or strained relationships with colleagues.​

Proactive measures for employers

Beyond policy implementation, employers can take additional steps to safeguard their organisations:

• Monitor financial transactions: Implement checks and balances, such as requiring dual signatures on financial documents, to prevent unauthorised transactions.​
• Restrict access to gambling sites: Utilise technology to block access to online gambling platforms on company devices and networks.​
• Promote awareness: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about the risks of gambling and the resources available for assistance.​
• Foster an open environment: Encourage open discussions about financial well-being and create a culture where seeking help is viewed positively.​

Addressing gambling-related harm requires a proactive and compassionate approach. By implementing robust policies, fostering an open and supportive workplace culture, and providing access to professional resources, organisations can protect their employees and mitigate the risks associated with gambling addiction.

As Craig Cornforth's journey highlights, early intervention and support can lead to recovery and redemption, benefiting both the individual and the organisation.

Support resources available

Employees grappling with gambling issues should be directed to professional support services.

• The National Gambling Helpline, operated by GamCare, offers confidential assistance on 0808 8020 133.
• Additionally, EPIC Global Solutions provide specialised training and consultancy to address gambling-related harm in the workplace. Discover more.

How Cifas can help organisations identify and tackle the insider threat

Through Cifas’ Insider Threat Protect solution, organisations can access the Insider Threat Database to help them screen employees and mitigate risks before it’s too late. We also provide upskilling opportunities in insider fraud prevention through Cifas Fraud and Cyber Academy courses and the Digital Learning programme.

Thank you to Craig and EPIC Global Solutions for their vital insights during Insider Threat Week.