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Goals for this presentation. Understand issues related to gambling and workplace fraud/embezzlementLearn the signs of a gambling problemExplore the causes of problem gamblingDiscuss ways to address problem gambling at the workplaceBecome familiarize with resources to address problem gambling. Gambling
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1. GAMBLING ADDICTION & THE WORKPLACE
2. 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
3. Gambling & Fraud Why should we care?
4. 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 2001-05, sentenced to 15 months federal prison.
Portland Tribune - April 20, 2007
5. 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
6. 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.
7. Why is Gambling Related Crime a Growing Concern? The issue of problem gambling is a growing concern
8. Gambling Industry is Growing
10. 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
2004 A ninth tribal casino opened in Oregon
2005 The Lottery expanded into video slots
2006 Lottery exceeds $1 billion in sales, video lottery sales up 24% over previous year
Source: * Eco Northwest, 2005
11. 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
12. More Gamblers, More Problem Gamblers Prevalence of gambling disorders
is a function of the overall level of gambling participation
13. 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 2001.
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
14. What is Problem Gambling? Gambling continuum
Definitions
Signs & symptoms
15. Continuum of gambling behavior
17. Problem gambling defined “All patterns of gambling behavior that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.”
18. 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
19. 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
20. 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
21. What Causes Problem Gambling Public Health Model
22. What Causes Gambling Problems?
Host (Gambler) Agent (Gambling Device)
-genetics -speed of play -biology -bet size
-coping style -control
-psychological -stimulus load
vulnerabilities -reinforcement
-traits structure
Environment
Social culture, political culture, gaming venue, family culture, availability, environmental stressors
23. 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
24. Workplace Interventions
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. Effects on the workplace The workplace is primarily affected through:
Lost Time
Lost Productivity
Theft, Fraud and Embezzlement
31. 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
32. What can organizations do? Policy statements
Provide awareness training
Make financial counseling available
Monitor the money stream
33. Resources
34. Free awareness resources503-945-9703 Speakers
Videos
Handouts
Posters and brochures
35. Problem Gambling Help Line:
Free and confidential; staffed by professional counselors
Phone: 1 (877) MY LIMIT
Online: 1877mylimit.org (chat, IM, email)
36. 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
38. 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