Gambling addicts and March Madness

Gambling addicts and March Madness
Mar 22, 2012
Brian Brennan

March Madness is a big deal for college basketball fans, and even just casual fans who take part in office pools.

But as Bryant Maddrick reports, the madness can be a real problem for recovering gambling addicts who have to work in that environment.

Gambling addiction experts say March is one of their busiest times of the year.

"Usually when they have these pools, it's a big board, it's displayed prominently somewhere in the office," says Jim Mason of Recovery Pointe. "They're going to be confronted with the fact that not only is it their in the workplace, but there's a certain amount of social and work pressure to participate in this."

He says it's similar to bringing alcohol around an alcoholic. Like any addiction, some say personal responsibility is important.

"It wouldn't be a good environment to have gambling right there in their office place, but it's pretty much up to the individual," says Cam Marquart of Kennewick.

"Is it negative, could be, it really depends on the how serious a person takes it." says Jerry Berkwitz of Kennewick."

Mason says employers need to set standards that make clear March Madness brackets and other pools are still betting no matter how innocent people make it.