Gambling-related harm in the workplace

Ensure your workplace policies explain expectations, procedures and the support available to staff affected by gambling-related harm.

Consider whether any workplace systems, activities or environments may increase the risk of gambling-related harm. This could include access to financial systems, workplace devices, betting activities, or exposure to gambling advertising.

Put in place appropriate safeguards and sources of support while maintaining employee trust, privacy and dignity.

Treat gambling-related harm as a health issue, not a moral failing. Provide staff with clear information about the range of gambling-related harms and how to access support. Train managers to respond with empathy, maintain confidentiality and avoid judgement.

This Gambling Harms language guide outlines best practice guidelines for using non-stigmatising language.

Focus on observed changes and the person’s wellbeing rather than assumptions. Listen, explain confidentiality and its limits, agree practical next steps, and do not require someone to disclose or prove a problem experienced from gambling.

Consider flexibility for appointments, temporary workload or duty adjustments, occupational health, EAP support, financial wellbeing or debt advice, and a review date. Apply policies consistently and protect privacy.

Employees may be harmed by a partner’s, relative’s or friend’s gambling. Make the same confidential wellbeing, financial and specialist support available to them.

If there are concerns about self-harm, suicide, safeguarding, coercion, fraud or immediate safety, follow your organisation’s urgent-risk and safeguarding procedures. Do not manage an emergency through a routine performance process.

Use anonymised information, staff feedback and equality considerations to check whether policies and support are accessible, including for Welsh speakers, disabled and neurodivergent staff, shift workers and people without private digital access.

Available 24 hours a day: Call 0808 281 9265 for free and confidential information, advice and support. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles, even if the caller has no phone credit.

Individuals and professionals can refer by calling 03000 859464 or emailing [email protected]. The service provides specialist NHS support for people experiencing gambling-related harm across Wales.

A free and confidential 12-week online SilverCloud programme for adults aged 18 and over. People can self-refer to Space from Gambling Harms, complete the programme at their own pace and receive guidance from an NHS-trained supporter.

Alongside accessing support, Gamban can be downloaded to block access to hundreds of thousands of gambling websites and apps across devices, supporting you to ward off temptation and create space to focus on recovery. Gamban is normally a paid app, but it is available free through the Welsh Government.

Download the app and get started today.