UK workers gamble on company time

2007-01-15 16:09:15

A new survey has found that the popularity of online gambling within the UK is now so great that 30 per cent of workers either admitted to betting online during company hours or knew someone who had.

The study commissioned by consultancy firm Morse revealed that 38 per cent of men said they gambled online at work, compared to 21 per cent of women.

The most popular choices were the National Lottery, sports betting and online poker games, research indicated.

People enjoying such pastimes at work led to £300 million in lost productivity, Morse claimed.

"Many employees have unmonitored access to the internet and the fact that they can now follow most sporting events online, coupled with the rise of internet gambling websites, has tempted people to place a 'quick' bet online," said Philip Wicks, a spokesman for Morse.

Online gambling revenue is expected to double in size to £10 billion worldwide during the next five years.


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