Should Employers Screen Applicants for Problem Gambling Before Employment?

[Lanatsa]

In short, NO! There first off isn't any way that they would be able to do so.  Secondly, it's none of their business what they do in their off time outside of work if it's not illegal and doesn't effect their job performance in any way.  Employers do enough nonsense when it comes to making hires, such as drug tests ...so this is hard no for me.

Its really not of their business on asking out on things that you've been doing specially those personal choice that you do made.Its not their right on knowing it but since you are applying for a job then there's a

chance that they might be asking it and you dont have choice but to answer and its up to you whether you would really be that honest or would be simply ignoring and making lies in regarding to it.

Gambling is an activity or entertainment and there's nothing wrong if someone do make out involvement or not.Just make things everything on control and you are just fine.

[Gozie51]

if it is related to the employee's access to finance or some kind of information in critical areas.

For the instance that I have made, the game house don't allow anybody to stake for themselves but if it is above closely hours, you can play from somewhere that is not the company because you are expected to have closed.

Well, it seems to me that it depends on the field where the candidate who is hired works, and since in reality gambling addiction can become a significant problem for the employer

No matter the field of the candidate or employees, whoever has the tendency of stealing will eventually go with that because it is on the blood.

[Quidat]

No matter the field of the candidate or employees, whoever has the tendency of stealing will eventually go with that because it is on the blood.

Addicted to gambling or not, people would still do things like stealing or getting something which arent theirs which is totally the reality of this world.
People are different when it comes to mindset and plans that they do have in mind.Some do really wants to play fair and some wants the fastest way
on attaining things without doing much hard work and this is why they do really end up on illegal way.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

According to the friend of mine who is addicted to gambling,  he told me that he doesn't really gamble, and does not feel it when ever he does not have money,  but the addiction takes its full force on him immediately money enters his hands,  to the extent that he feels restless until he has gambled the money away.

So,  what point am I trying to make from the above story?,  most addicted gamblers don't actually gamble when they have no money,  that is no job or source of income,  their gambling addiction grips them as soon as they start earning money or find a source through which they can be getting money.

So for me,  I think the screening for gambling addiction is not needed, as it will be difficult to catch an addicted gambler that way,  I can only suggest that the employer suspend or sack the employee immediately it is discovered that he or she is an addicted gambler and have been stealing from the company/employer.

[n0ne]

No matter the field of the candidate or employees, whoever has the tendency of stealing will eventually go with that because it is on the blood.

Addicted to gambling or not, people would still do things like stealing or getting something which arent theirs which is totally the reality of this world.

A person lands into the act of stealing and similar things when he isn't able to make progress or meet his needs. As said, even the person who isn't involved into gambling does stealing of money. With addicted gamblers one day he could've made a mistake by playing with others money, and the same continues when he/she doesn't have the money to spend. Screening applicants for problem gambling won't be possible. Because, these kind of acts happen out of situation and not by intention.

[STT]

That would be very George Orwellian to have to undergo detection for mind crimes, you could bet alot and it not be a problem.   The main thing employers sometimes do screen for is a credit check perhaps  in some jobs you cannot be in debt or suffering pressure financially because of the problem that might bring with it to your performance.  I know bank employees have to be extra vigilant on debt and be willing only to bank with their employee but in that industry its understandable.   Most firms its none of their business, at most a check on any prior convictions beyond that is paranoid.

[bitbollo]

These kind of information are illegal in some countries to be obtained due privacy laws and it's clear illegal obtain such data.
Plus they can't save these information. or share with a third part.

in general most of the times it's well known if someone has gambling problem likewise there are some precedents on criminal records...
Or there are also other serious issues (e.g. coming late at job, appear violent with colleagues, taking big debts, etc)

[harizen]

Some employers do background checks. Which would return prior criminal cases related to a gambling addiction.

Beyond that there may not be a credible means of detecting gambling addiction. For all intents and purposes the background of a casual gambler and addict would look similar.

A push could be made for employers to do more background checks and deter hiring applicants with prior criminal history. But I think that trend is frowned upon.

Its unlikely that employers will implement routine background checks which would screen those with a past criminal history related to gambling addiction.

I think it's a hassle for employers to do background checks. I don't know how employment works in other countries but here, employers are asking their applicants to provide Police Clearances and NBI documents. That document is proof that the person is free from criminal records.

And yes, I agree with your last statement that it's really unlikely that companies will screen their applicants about anything related to gambling addiction even if that department is more of handling money. What they are looking is if that person is really capable to do the works.

[Darker45]

Yes, just as employers should also carefully screen applicants for other possible mental disorders. There is a reason why potential employees have to go through different levels of neurological and psychological exams before being accepted for a certain job. There is a reason why series of interviews and background checks will have to be conducted on a job candidate. This isn't only for the employer to successfully pick the best person. This is also to keep the company safe and secured.

I remembered there was a huge company in my country that went bankrupt and closed after decades of operation because of an employee who's addicted to gambling.

Having said this, monitoring and screening should be done not just to potential employees but also to current employees.

I understand your concern that companies need to protect themselves as much as possible, but this should always be a trade off against the privacy rights of the employees. Should a company really know everything we do in our free time and that on a continuous basis? What if you go one week per year with your buddies on a man only trip to Las Vegas to have some fun? This could have series consequences if your employer knows it, even if it doesn't affect the work performance at all. In my opinion should all jobs that handle money have atleast one layer of supervision to protect itself from theft. But only targeting gamblers seems a bit excessive, I think there are many thieves who are not gamblers.

Privacy is not absolute. If you're applying for a job, you will give your complete name, complete address, brother and sister's names, parents' names, wife's name, children's names, their birthdays, their jobs, their contact numbers, your schools, your religion, and so many other information about you. Moreover, you will be interviewed about your plans in life, your likes and dislikes, your opinions on things, your hobbies, and so on. The company would talk to your previous supervisor, your neighbor, your university teacher, your friend, and so on and ask about your life. You would also be sharing whether you have illnesses and certain physical conditions. They would even inquire whether you have tattoos and piercings in your body. And beyond what you directly provide, neuro and psychological exams even get to know your tendencies, your character, your attitude, your behavior on certain occasions, and so forth.

These information do not necessarily suggest whether or not you're fit to have the job.

[nullama]

~snip~
I'd like to know your thoughts -  Do you think that employers should screen potential employees for problem gambling before employment?

I don't think employers should do any kind of problem gambling tests or similar, unless the job is at a casino or something.

There are many ways in which things can go wrong when you hire someone, not just problem gamblers, and you can't possibly test the employee for everything.

You need to have a proper face to face assessment of the person and see if he or she is able to do the job and if you're willing to trust that person. That's pretty much it. It's a bit of a gamble to hire someone, but that's part of being a human, it's a human relationship in the end.

[ethereumhunter]

It is usual for a business owner to want to know the background of his employees to avoid problems that could occur in the future.

no, this is against the law, the company cannot investigate the private life of employees, this can be considered a crime and can lead the company to pay a heavy fine. from the moment an employee leaves work he has the right to do what he wants in his private life. if the person is addicted to alcohol, sex, gambling, these have nothing to do with the company, they are private matters for the employee.

Maybe that's true. But if the company suspects an employee is trying to start a crime, the company can hire someone to find out what he is doing outside of working hours so that if there is evidence that points to a crime, it can be dealt with immediately. Thus, the company also tries to prevent unwanted things from happening in its business and to find out whether its employees are good or can negatively impact the company or other employees.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

Maybe that's true. But if the company suspects an employee is trying to start a crime, the company can hire someone to find out what he is doing outside of working hours so that if there is evidence that points to a crime, it can be dealt with immediately. Thus, the company also tries to prevent unwanted things from happening in its business and to find out whether its employees are good or can negatively impact the company or other employees.

 - You are right in that matter Sir because I remembered what a close friend told mine, who owns a business, he told me when he had an employee who had a gambling habit, he found out when there was a problem in his business with money missing from their branch, and he discovered that what his business sold was taken by his employee who was addicted to gambling because he owed a lot to the gambling business, so he dismissed it for termination and even filed a case because A lot of money was also taken from the advantage of his business.

[AicecreaME]

They should, but in my opinion, it doesn't really matter. If they will ask it during the interview, it could be easily avoided, and they won't know if the person is telling the truth unless they are going to use lie detector. Also, even though a certain individual has no problem in gambling addiction, it could be develop while he is working in a certain casino because of so many things.

I believe one of them is because of an influence of a certain individual who is good in brainwashing people to make the plan get a high chance of being successful, like stealing casino money etc.

[rodskee]

I am not that strict because I know that each person has their rights in working  and in joining company , no matter if they are gamblers or not because what is important is that how they will follow the rules and obey orders .

the company will pay depend in their performance , if the company find them not competitive then maybe kicking them that day is basically correct.

[romero121]

I am not that strict because I know that each person has their rights in working  and in joining company , no matter if they are gamblers or not because what is important is that how they will follow the rules and obey orders .

the company will pay depend in their performance , if the company find them not competitive then maybe kicking them that day is basically correct.

Well said, whether they're problem gamblers or gambling addicts is not at all an issue. The prime factor that needs to be considered while hiring a person is his skills and whether he suits the position for which he/she is being hired. After that if he isn't able to finish his tasks by time kicking off is the right choice.

[TheGreatPython]

No...? I mean, if employees were able to steal money from their companies, I'm pretty sure they're just that skilled (if you can call it a skill), addict or not. Let's not even mention that identifying an addict in itself would be rather difficult, but in the first place, any employee can steal from their companies if they were skilled enough and they wanted to. These are similar cases related to gambling but there are probably a whole lot more other cases not even related to gambling. I'd rather make companies actually improve their security against outsiders and insiders.

They are skilled thieves if they manage to steal and never get caught not even on a surveillance camera. Not all who do stealing are addicts but each of them has a different reason. There's that they steal for the sake of their family but if I were them I won't do that because they are already working on that company, which means they can earn money already. If they really need a money and it's still a long way to go before their pay check arrives, they can always do a cash advance from their employers.

I am sure that every good employers will always agree with that, only to retain their workers. I think there are no rules from screening an applicant so the op's idea is always possible to conduct.

[Bitinity]

I'd like to know your thoughts -  Do you think that employers should screen potential employees for problem gambling before employment?

If the employers know how to do effectively and they think that it is something good to be implemented, why not? However I have never heard there is a company do such screening to their potential employees. Stealing company's money may happen not only because of gambling problem but there are many other various reasons. If the main purpose is to minimize this bad thing, the security of the company should be improved so the chance for their employees to steal money is low.

[Adbitco]

It is a matter of thought, and mostly looking into it same situation has happened in my place of work where someone uses money that was meant for a staff to deliver goods to clients was used to play virtual game in a local betting shop opposite the company thinking to replaced the fund immediately his selected virtual games played successfully. This was very disastrous and a though issues from him, immediately he lost the money from gambling he ran to me crying that he used the money cashier gave to him for delivery on gambling and now he lost the money and didn't win. Though i do have human sympathy and not being so apparty, i did replace the money from my personal pocket and asked him not to gamble next with company's fund. That was how i saved him from losing his job.

Also noticed that gamblers are always out of funds that is, being out of cash at all times since they almost gamble with their funds i have witness many cases which is why a gamble addict find it difficult to live a debt free life.

Lastly i would say if anyone is making employment there should be a recommendation letter from their local authority's to attestify if they have any bad records concerning money misconduct in their locality or within the previously worked company before making an employment to avoid further damages from the company.

[_act_]

I think it's important because this can cause job-related conflict in the future especially if an employee is really addicted to gambling. That doesn't mean that his not fit and needs to seek professional help first. If the interviewer would get to ask any gambling related questions, he should not ask them directly because it might offend the applicant. He should ask it in a good manner.

Asking them directly does not mean or related to any offence or human right violation, during interview, the interviewers ask questions in good manners, the interview would be good and official. But anyone can mismanaged money, it can be for other reasons which may not be related to gambling, not only gambling addicts can mismanaged money, there are many other money mismanagements that are not related to gambling, most of it are related to the company not able to keep track of their funds as fast as possible and appropriately.

[Marykeller]

I know of a very big betting house around my area. The employer only employs girls to work for him. He has close to about 10 girls as staff working for him and he made a young guy as the manager to be covering and run around for the affairs of the betting, to keep it going.
I think this might be one of the reasons for his taking such a decision of employing only girls cos he knows the dangers he might face in employing guys at times runs in the betting house