Gambling Disorder and the EAP: Why It's Time to Expand Our Focus
Gambling Disorder and the EAP:
Why It's Time to Expand Our Focus
By James Porter
I am attending the North Carolina Employee Assistance Program (EAP) conference where Harry Lavant delivered a powerful and timely presentation titled "Gambling Disorder and the Employee Assistance Professional: Supporting Employees and Protecting Employers with a Comprehensive Public Health Approach." While EAP professionals have long been at the forefront of helping employees with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, Lavant’s story and message highlight a growing crisis that has flown under the radar for too long: gambling addiction.
Historically, EAPs have focused their addiction-related interventions on drugs and alcohol—substances with well-documented impacts on workplace safety, performance, and absenteeism. But gambling disorder has often been treated as a secondary concern, if addressed at all. Lavant’s message is clear: that needs to change.
The Changing Landscape of Gambling
In years past, gambling often conjured up images of casinos, racetracks, or weekend trips to Las Vegas. But the world of gambling has shifted dramatically. Today, with the explosion of online casinos and the legalization of sports betting across dozens of states, gambling is no longer confined to brick-and-mortar venues. It's in our pockets—accessible 24/7 on smartphones.
The ease of access has removed the traditional barriers that once limited gambling behaviors. You no longer need to travel to a casino or call a bookie. A simple app download is all it takes to start betting on the next football game or playing high-stakes poker online. And for employees already under stress, dealing with financial strain, or looking for a quick dopamine hit, this accessibility can quickly turn recreational gambling into a compulsive, destructive pattern.
Lavant’s Cautionary Tale
Lavant’s personal story is both compelling and sobering. Once a successful attorney, he spiraled into gambling addiction, eventually wagering—and losing—his clients’ money. The consequences were life-altering: he was disbarred and sentenced to a 21-month prison term. But in a rare judicial decision, the judge suspended his sentence and offered parole instead: With that unusual offer, Lavant committed to dedicating his life to raising awareness about gambling addiction.
Today, Lavant shares his story as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. His experience illustrates how gambling addiction can cut across socioeconomic lines, affecting professionals who may outwardly appear to have it all together. And in the workplace, these hidden struggles can have ripple effects, from embezzlement and theft to absenteeism and deteriorating job performance.
Why EAPs Must Respond Now
EAPs are uniquely positioned to address this emerging public health challenge. Many employees may not even recognize their gambling behavior as a disorder, especially given the normalization of sports betting through advertising and pop culture. But the signs are there: secretive behavior, mounting debts, mood swings, and strained personal relationships.
Lavant urges EAP professionals to be proactive. Just as EAPs screen for substance abuse and mental health issues, they must now incorporate gambling disorder into their intake assessments, trainings, and referral networks. Early detection and intervention can prevent minor gambling issues from escalating into full-blown crises with significant personal and organizational costs.
The Broader Public Health Approach
Lavant advocates for a comprehensive public health strategy. This means looking beyond individual responsibility and addressing gambling addiction as a societal issue influenced by technology, policy, and culture.
For EAPs, this could involve:
- Employee education on the risks and warning signs of gambling addiction.
- Supervisor training to recognize problematic behaviors in the workplace.
- Collaboration with financial wellness programs to help employees manage debt and prevent gambling-related financial crises.
- Partnerships with specialized gambling addiction counselors and treatment centers.
By broadening their scope, EAPs can not only help individual employees reclaim their well-being but also protect employers from the downstream effects of gambling-related workplace issues.
A Growing Concern with Serious Consequences
The statistics are increasingly alarming. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, an estimated 2 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for severe gambling problems, with millions more at risk. And with the rapid proliferation of online betting platforms, these numbers are likely to grow.
Lavant’s story underscores that gambling disorder can be as insidious and damaging as any substance use disorder. For organizations, ignoring this issue is no longer an option. Employees struggling with gambling addiction can create significant liability, from fraud to reduced productivity, and even workplace violence in extreme cases.
Final Thoughts
As Lavant emphasizes, EAPs have a critical role to play in turning the tide. Gambling disorder is no longer a niche concern; it’s a public health issue demanding the same level of attention and resources as other forms of addiction.
By integrating gambling addiction awareness and intervention into EAP services, organizations can build a healthier, more resilient workforce. And as Lavant’s journey illustrates, education and support can make the difference between a life derailed—and a life reclaimed.
Erica Tuminski
Author