UK employers are being urged to recognise the signs of gambling harms in the workplace as this summer’s World Cup approaches. Charities Betknowmore UK and Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity say the tournament could increase risks for employees already struggling with gambling-related issues.
Major sporting events can create an environment where harmful gambling behaviours become easier to conceal. They are encouraging employers to identify early warning signs and ensure support is available for workers affected either directly by gambling or through someone close to them.
According to the charities, workplace signs can initially appear subtle. These may include longer lunch breaks, irritability and declining quality of work. More serious warning signs can involve employees shutting down computer screens when approached, quickly hiding mobile phone activity, requesting wages in advance or borrowing money from colleagues.
The organisations say these behaviours should be approached carefully and sensitively, with employers focusing on support rather than punishment.
Gambling and Workplace Wellbeing Concerns
The campaign comes through a partnership between Betknowmore UK and Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity, which works to intercept harmful online searches linked to suicide, self-harm, gambling harms and financial struggles through digital technology.
Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity was founded in 2021 by Alice Hendy MBE following the death of her brother Josh to suicide. Since then, Ripple technology has expanded from a single browser extension into a wider digital safety system used across sporting, aviation, construction and financial sectors.
The charities say gambling harms remain closely linked to wider mental health concerns. One study cited by the organisations found that suicide was among the leading causes of death for patients with gambling disorder. As a result, both charities are working to raise awareness of gambling-related harm within workplaces and develop training tools and digital support systems aimed at helping employers recognise risks earlier.
They also warn that younger men may be particularly exposed to gambling-related pressures linked to sporting events and online betting culture. Alice Hendy MBE, Founder and CEO of Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity and Ripple for Business, said that the World Cup will place even greater social pressure on those currently struggling.
She added, “By knowing the early warning signs and having open and honest conversations in the workplace, we hope that even more people will get the support they need, preventing them from reaching the point of crisis.”
Building Awareness and Early Support
The organisations say gambling harms are often overlooked in workplace wellbeing conversations despite their impact on mental health, financial wellbeing and employee performance.
Clarke Carlisle, Business Development Executive of Betknowmore UK, said gambling-related harm is frequently misunderstood as purely financial, despite its wider emotional and behavioural effects.
“The connection between gambling harm and suicidality isn’t an academic one, it’s real, and I have lived it,” he said. “My experience is that the topic of gambling is rarely explored, let alone addressed, before, during or after mental health crises.”
He added, “We must broaden our understanding of gambling harms beyond the financial, into the emotional and behavioural. This is where the full impact can be seen, not only on the person who gambles, but also the affected others around them. There are ways to do this, and the partnership between Betknowmore UK and Ripple will support people to understand how.”
The charities say employers who encourage open discussions around wellbeing and provide access to support services may be better placed to identify concerns before employees reach crisis point.