The problem, according to Isabelle Duguay of Bensinger DuPont & Associates, is that while office pools are seemingly innocent, people who have never gambled before are often drawn to participate. “Harmless March Madness office pools are often catalysts for some people to start betting because they get a taste of the world of gambling. Many of these individuals will become addicted to the action, the thrill of winning and, eventually, may become problem gamblers.” In fact, 36% of employees who participate in office pools named "to win money" as the primary motivation for joining, according to a recent Spherion(R) Workplace Snapshot survey conducted by Harris Interactive(R).
Bensinger, DuPont & Associates also operates various gambling helplines. Statistics indicate that during March and April, calls from people needing help to stop or control their sports betting will increase. During the last two years, gambling-related calls have increased between 9% to 25% (Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, Statistics 2006 and 2007).
This year, the tournament games will be streamlined online for free --- raising a red flag for employers.Bensinger DuPont & Associates is a privately owned professional services company that is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individual and their families through a wide range of consultation, training and counseling services.
Valut.com found that 26% of workers in 2008 say they have watched or followed sports events online during
work hours, up from 23% in 2007. “Most employees in the US have Internet access at work.
Watching the games with co-workers and getting up-to-the-minute results adds to the rush people get from
gambling,” says Duguay.