Games Global spoke with SBC News about its recent partnership with Better Change and other igaming organisations to support safer gambling in the workplace. The latest initiative provides tools and training to prevent gambling harm and support well-being in the igaming industry.

Ty Smith, Head of Environmental, Social & Governance at Games Global, and Rob Mabbett, Engagement Director at Better Change, elaborate on a range of issues; touching on how the alliance was formed to how these ongoing efforts help to heighten the effectiveness of work in harm prevention.

SBC News: How did the collaboration between Better Change and Games Global emerge, and what was the identified need?

Rob Mabbett: The collaboration began earlier this year when Ty Smith, Head of Environmental, Social & Governance at Games Global, approached Better Change to explore projects that could be supported by voluntary contributions aimed at Research, Education, and Treatment for gambling harm.

Better Change, together with Games Global and other sponsors of the initiative, identified a crucial need to raise awareness of gambling harm, specifically in the workplace, given the potential risks associated with being employed in the igaming industry.

Acting on these risks and understanding the impact of gambling harm in the broader sense, Better Change and Games Global want to take important steps to ensure that  education and support is available to their colleagues.

This shared commitment to promoting a safer, more responsible work environment led to the development of a free online training programme and toolkit specifically designed to provide resources and guidance for employees and managers in the industry​.

CB: How does Games Global’s involvement enhance safer gambling awareness in the gaming industry, and what tools or resources are provided to support employees?

Ty Smith: This initiative promotes safer gambling awareness within the igaming industry. The collaboration focused on preventing gambling harm by providing practical support and insights tailored to those working in gaming environments, where additional barriers to seeking support may exist.

The ‘Safer Gambling in the Workplace’ workshop, available online at no cost to participants, offers tools and guidance for employees, and includes topics such as identifying gambling-related risks, understanding industry betting rules, and accessing sources of help and support.

This project emphasises Games Global’s commitment to employee welfare, ensuring teams are adequately equipped with the knowledge to foster a safe and responsible work environment​.

SBCN: What were the main findings from the surveys conducted during the ‘Safer Gambling in the Workplace’ webinar, and how do the results inform Better Change’s ongoing efforts in gambling harm prevention?

RM: The survey results provided encouraging insights, suggesting participants were aware of gambling risks and that workplace exposure to gambling did not necessarily increase the likelihood of engaging in gambling or lead to gambling-related harm. Over 90% of respondents recognised that working in the industry does not improve their chances of winning, indicating a high level of understanding when it came to the gambling industry. 

Many attendees agreed that witnessing the financial losses that can affect customers discouraged them from gambling, underscoring the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns, particularly for new employees, to promote informed decision-making and minimise potential harm.

The hope is that Better Change can utilise these insights to refine their training materials, ensuring that the content remains relevant and impactful for the industry going forward.

CB: How will the ‘Safer Gambling in the Workplace’ initiative and webinar support HR and management teams in identifying signs of gambling harm, and what best practices will they be equipped with to aid their teams effectively?

TS: The Safer Gambling in the Workplace initiative was tailored to support HR, managers, and team leaders within the igaming industry. The workshop provides vital tools for identifying signs of gambling-related harm, including recognising behaviours like ‘winner’s envy’ and spotting other potential risks.

Participants learn practical strategies to support colleagues showing signs of gambling issues, nurturing a proactive approach to safeguarding employee well-being. By focusing on best practices, such as maintaining communication, providing access to resources, and understanding support networks, HR and management teams are better prepared to offer help and reinforce a workplace culture of safety and responsibility​.

Whilst a very small percentage of users of gambling products will develop problematic behaviour, it can happen to anyone, and those working in the industry are no exception. 

Looking out for warning signs of problematic play in one’s own play is the first step, but it is important to communicate that seeking support early will offer the best chance of preventing the problem developing further. 

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