Abstract
The prior literature has suggested that gaming venue employees might be an at-risk group for developing gambling problems. A variety of occupational stressors and workplace factors were uncovered for causing the elevated risk. However, little theory-driven research has been conducted to investigate Asian gaming venue employees’ experience of work stress and gambling behavior. Adopting the transactional theories of stress and coping, this exploratory study examined perceived job satisfaction, work stressors, stress strains, coping responses and gambling behavior among Chinese casino employees in Macau. Semi-structured interviews with fifteen casino employees (9 men and 6 women) were conducted. Many interviewees described working at casino as very stressful. Seven types of workplace stressors were identified. Most were aware of the harmful effects of work stress on their health. They experienced physical and psychological strains despite various coping strategies were employed to alleviate job stress. Many gambled after work to ‘unwind’. Using the DSM-IV criteria, one male employee could be categorized as a pathological gambler, and five men exhibited symptoms of problem gambling. In addition to job stress and male gender, other risk factors for problem gambling were also found. The study results have implication for workplace stress prevention and responsible gambling practices.
Highlights
Occupational stress generates both positive and deleterious effects
This paper presents the results derived from the interviews with 15 Chinese casino employees working in Macau
The study solely consisted of Chinese casino employees
Summary
Occupational stress generates both positive and deleterious effects. While stress can enhance creativity and job motivation, chronic job stress can endanger well-being and may even cause serious damage and illness. Previous studies indicate work stress is associated with physical and psychological strains (Boswell et al 2004; Calnan et al 2000; Fenwick and Tausig 2001; Kasl 1998; Siegrist 1998; Shaffer et al 1999). Strokes, gastrointestinal disorders, peptic ulcers and coronary heart disease. Psychological strains are anxiety, depression, panic attacks and psychosomatic complaints. Longer term health hazards may include self-harm behavior, suicide and death (Gabriel and Liimatainen 2000; Uehata 2005)
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