Two Sides of a Gamble: How Problem Gambling Impacts Lives and Workplaces

With baseball season in full swing, and sports betting now legal in Maryland, undoubtedly you’ll begin to see advertisements for betting on baseball games. Gambling addiction often hides in plain sight, whether it’s in the workplace or behind closed doors at home. Though difficult to detect early on, its effects can lead to serious consequences, from financial hardship to deteriorating mental health. Two separate stories—a general pattern of workplace behavior and a personal account—highlight how gambling problems can quietly take hold and spiral out of control.

In professional environments, compulsive gambling is often called the “hidden disease” due to its lack of visible symptoms in the early stages. However, certain behavioral patterns can serve as red flags. Employees may begin arriving late, taking extended lunches, or disappearing during the day to place bets or visit off-track venues. Other signs include frequent use of the restroom to listen to sports broadcasts, repeated phone calls to bookies or creditors, and organizing office betting pools or gambling trips. These behaviors, while sometimes dismissed as harmless quirks, can signal deeper issues that affect workplace performance and relationships.

As the problem worsens, gamblers may take sick days as soon as they are available, use isolated vacation days to gamble, or struggle to meet deadlines due to preoccupation with betting outcomes. In some cases, employees may even act as bookmakers or runners for illegal gambling operations in order to fund their own habits. These warning signs underscore the importance of early identification and support.

In a separate and more personal example, one woman’s story illustrates the financial risks of gambling addiction. Emma, a professional with a good income, found herself overwhelmed by credit card debt and car payments. Initially, she believed she could manage her debt independently and began researching online solutions. Eventually, she turned to online poker, where early winnings gave her false hope. Convinced she had found a way to eliminate her debt, she began playing higher stakes—only to experience significant losses.

Within months, Emma’s financial situation worsened. Her gambling, initially seen as a quick fix, became a major contributor to her growing debt. Although she eventually recognized the harm and stopped gambling, she continues to face long-term consequences. Emma’s experience is a cautionary tale of how problem gambling can escalate quickly and make a difficult financial situation far worse.

If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, help is available.
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call: 1-800-GAMBLER
Text: 800GAM
Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org

In-State Resources
Maryland Council on Problem Gambling
PO Box 31623
Gwynn Oak, MD 21207
443-292-2809
www.marylandproblemgambling.org

Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling
250 W. Pratt Street, Suite #1050
Baltimore, MD 21201
667-214-2120
www.mdproblemgambling.com

Article by multiple RFHC contributors

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