Gambling Harms- Safeguarding Pilot: The Hidden Risk in the Community and the Workplace
With the upcoming launch of our RLB Gambling Harms- Safeguarding pilot, we aim to lead the way in the gambling industry by becoming the pioneering framework others look to for safeguarding excellence.
Our mission is to showcase our sector specific safeguarding training and audit framework solely built for the Gambling Industry and to work with both Gambling Harms Support and Treatment Charities, Gambling Businesses, Call Centre and Online Chat Colleagues, Gaming, and Casinos.
Our training and audit framework aims to set the standard as the leading framework for safeguarding across the gambling industry- establishing itself as the trusted, go-to model for best practice.
Our programme is aimed at reducing the safeguarding risks of gambling on individuals, families, and communities whilst keeping the safety of the person at risk at the centre. Through our planned multi-agency and consultative approach, we will act as a gold standard of safety at each level of identification, intervention, and support for those at risk of or affected by gambling-related harm.
Our ultimate goal is to create safer environments and ensure people at risk will receive the support they need to prevent and recover from gambling-related harm but also for colleagues who are working in this industry. We aspire for gambling industry professionals to have confidence and awareness of safeguarding so that they are able to spot signs and symptoms of gambling related harm and to feel supported by their employers during traumatic or challenging incidents.
We are now welcoming pilot partners, and we have already received expressions of interest. So, if your organisation would like to have both a voice and meaningful input into our content and programme we are excited to hear from you!
Thank you,
Rachael
Managing Director
RLB Safeguarding Ltd
Gambling Harms: The Hidden Risk in the Community and the Workplace
We may very well often picture gambling harms as personal issues- it can be the quiet struggle behind closed doors but the truth is, the effects of gambling-related harm often spill over into every area of a person’s life, throughout their family and friendships, and also in the workplace.
With the increasing accessibility of online gambling and the rise of 24/7 betting platforms, more people than ever are vulnerable to gambling-related harms.
Professionals working in gambling related businesses whether online or face-to-face are often dealing with stressful, sombre and sometimes violent, aggressive, or traumatic incidents. It is an employer’s duty of care to ensure that their workforce are skilled and educated and also protected when considering how safeguarding issues can escalate in relation to gambling associated harms.
The Overlooked Impact on Workplaces
Gambling can have some serious consequences for both employees and employers. From reduced productivity, safeguarding incidents, to financial misconduct, the ripple effects are wide-reaching and sometimes irreversible:
Decline in Performance and Productivity- Individuals experiencing gambling harm may struggle with focus, time management, and motivation. Preoccupation with betting, chasing losses, or recovering from financial stress can make it difficult to stay present and effective at work.
Increased Absenteeism- Frequent unexplained absences or lateness can be a red flag. This could be due to gambling activity during working hours, dealing with related stress, or managing fallout from financial or legal consequences.
Mental Health Strain- Gambling harm often goes hand-in-hand with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. In a work environment, this can lead to isolation, withdrawal from colleagues, and even conflict with team members or managers. This can even lead to suicide or attempts on a person’s life.
Financial Misconduct and Risk- In some cases, especially where roles involve handling finances, gambling-related harm can lead to high-risk behaviours—including theft or fraud. While rare, these cases highlight the importance of vigilance and support systems in place.
Why Workplaces Must Take Gambling Harm Seriously
Workplaces have a responsibility to safeguard employee wellbeing- not only for ethical reasons, but also to maintain a healthy, safe, and productive environment. Just like support exists for mental health, substance misuse, or domestic abuse, gambling harm deserves recognition and response. This calls for a two pronged approach to consider colleagues who may be at risk of gambling themselves, but also within the gambling industry as the colleagues who are dealing with customers.
What Can Employers Do?
Raise Awareness- Start conversations about gambling as a potential health and wellbeing issue. Education can break stigma and help staff recognise the signs in themselves or others.
Provide Training- Equip managers and HR teams with the knowledge to spot the signs of gambling-related harm and respond appropriately. Training should include how to have sensitive conversations and how to signpost to support. This can also include specialist training for gambling businesses and support charity colleagues- call centre, online chat, therapeutic staff etc.
Update Policies- Review existing wellbeing or safeguarding policies to include gambling harm. This sends a clear message that your organisation takes the issue seriously and is prepared to support those affected. If your business does not have a safeguarding policy then this is a great place to start by implementing one.
Promote Support Services- Make sure employees know where they can go for help- both internally (e.g., employee assistance programmes) and externally (e.g., specialist gambling support organisations- see list at the end of this blog).
Foster a Culture of Openness- Create a working culture where people feel safe to ask for help without fear of stigma or disciplinary action. Early intervention is key, and compassion goes a long way.
The Bottom Line
Gambling harm is often hidden, but its effects are very real and the workplace is not exempt. By proactively addressing the issue, employers can protect their people, strengthen wellbeing, and contribute to wider efforts to reduce gambling-related harm in society.
Want to learn more?
As mentioned we are now offering specialist training and consultancy on recognising and responding to gambling harm in the workplace and safeguarding training for employees working in the gambling business industry. Contact us to find out how we can support your team.
We are also hosting our next free event on 24th June 2025- 12pm-1pm- The Safeguarding Spotlight Series- Topic: Gambling Harms with Guest speaker Betknowmore
Join us for an incredible session with guestspeaker John Fenna and Rachael Bishop, exploring the often-overlooked issue of gambling within the UK workplace, with a specific focus on potentially vulnerable employees, apprentices and young staff.
Link to book here