Gambling in cyberspace

Gambling in Cyberspace

Gambling has taken many forms and channels - from direct ones such as bricks and mortar to that using the internet, generally known as gambling in cyberspace or online gambling. Page (2007) has written an article discussing why online gambling is such a temptation, why it thrives in the workplace, why it is considered a problem among employers, and suggested steps on how to deal with it in the workplace.

Play in online gambling is faster and more engaging since several games can be handled simultaneously at different windows. Also, access is not a problem since computers with internet come in handy. Online gambling thrives in the workplace since it is not considered to be as grave as pornography and threatening e-mails, and is even at times regarded as means of forging ties among co-workers. And though online gambling is prohibited by the law (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), it is unusual to hear about employers sued for participating in the gambling, that is, for providing the equipment used in the gambling. Instead, it is the site operators who are being closely monitored by the law enforcers.

Online gambling is a problem among employers, one, because it results to lower productivity of the employees and two, because it posts risks for contracting viruses. Time spent on online gambling eats up the employees' work time and disrupts their focus on work. Heavy internet usage results to larger bandwidth and thus, problems with the computer system. In this regard, the author cites three steps on how to deal with Internet gambling in the workplace: "create a workplace gambling policy, provide awareness training, and make problem gambling counseling available."

More than the possibility of simultaneous gambling and the easy access to computers, online gambling must have been appealing because of the high anonymity in the cyberspace. Cyber gamblers might feel less threatened since the context entitles them to hide their identity; thus, the individual feel less responsible for his or her actions. Note also that in the workplace, gambling does not raise much commotion as that of pornography. More so, if it does not seem to interrupt the employee's performance. But the problem may still be in the premature stage with its long-term effects yet to be witnessed. If the employers fail to anticipate the outcome of their employees' addiction to online gambling, they might someday find themselves at the losing end - earning much less due to employee unproductiveness.