Gambling by Ontario casino employees: gambling behaviours, problem gambling and impacts of the employment

Abstract

Research suggests gambling industry employees exhibit high rates of problem gambling. This paper extends the research by examining casino employee gambling in Ontario. Nine hundred thirty-four employees from five casinos completed a survey and a further 21 participated in interviews. Employees' gambling behaviours were found to relate to various workplace influences (exposure to gambling; exposure to patrons; exposure to the work environment, and the existence of training, restrictions, and resources) and employment variables (length of employment, previous industry experience, and department). Additionally, employees exhibited problem gambling rates over three times greater than those of the general population. These higher rates were explained primarily by employees who increased their gambling after commencing employment and employees who were attracted to their jobs because of prior gambling involvement. Findings highlight the unique factors associated with problem gambling among gambling industry employees.