Working in Australian Gaming Venues, and Shiftwork

Abstract

Research into workplace influences on the gambling behaviour of gaming venue employees found that shiftwork was perceived by most employees as the key factor encouraging gambling by venue staff. Using a qualitative design, researchers visited venues in 5 regions of Queensland to interview 92 employees from hotels, licensed clubs and casinos. A thematic analysis uncovered key reasons for shiftwork being seen as more important than other workplace influences. These themes include: a lack of alternative social opportunities, only gambling venues are open after late shifts, staff tend to socialise with other hospitality workers, social isolation, gamble to fill in time, and shiftwork makes it easier to hide heavy gambling. However, some interviewees felt shiftwork discouraged them from gambling, because most gambling venues are closed after finishing late shift and shiftwork means they go out less overall. Other employees considered that shiftwork had no influence, because they find other activities in their time off and/or they just go home after a shift. Providing more regular shifts and promoting family and alternative social and recreational activities for staff are measures venues could implement to help counter these effects.