I think the debates and discussion forum may be best placed for this topic.
I work in a bar at the weekend alongside my full time job to supplement my income. I enjoy the bar work as it can be sociable and decent enough pay. It is necessary for me to make ends meet and continue to pay off debts etc. There is usually some form of sport on the TV, mostly horses. The bar staff call through bets for the punters but I was never asked until about 4 or 5 months ago. For obvious reasons I didn't want to get involved but I got a call from the boss one night asking me to place bets for the lads in the bar. I was the only one working so didn't really have much choice in the matter but to say yes. Of course I could have refused but I really need the job as stated above. I'll be honest, doing this doesn't make me want to place a bet myself and thus far hasn't affected my recovery. I suppose it's like a recovering CG working in a bookies - not the ideal place by any stretch but bills need to be paid.
Then to the conflicted part. One of the regulars began to tell me the horror stories we all have and admitted he has a gambling problem. So far he hasn't done anything about it but I told him my own story and invited him to GA, he hasn't taken up the invitation just yet. I haven't called through a bet for him in a couple of weeks and don't ever want to again. I need to speak to the boss when he gets back from holiday and explain the situation to him and that I don't want to have to call through bets anymore. I recognise it's part of the job but I don't want to be aiding this lad's addiction in anyway.
I was wondering is anyone else in a similar situation working in a bookies/casino/bar/track etc?
Hi
Thats an interesting one. Can you say you dont agree with gambling without losing your position? I would tend to think that you cant in this day and age without losing your job.
If the customer is always right and your boss wants them in there drinking, its going to be a very difficult situation. I would have thought as a matter of conscience you can not be placing bets for any gambler.
My view is that I couldnt continue with the job but I do understand that there isnt a lot of work around.
Could you act as the voice of reason and proudly say you dont gamble anymore? It seems a very awkward situation to me
Best wishes
Hi Sam,
I haven't been in that situation but I think it might be best to talk to him about it, but continue with placing bets for him. It's good that you genuinely care for him, but unfortunately, placing bets for them was tasked to you by your boss. I know that you're really torn between your job and helping him out, but I hope that something good would come out of you talking to him about his gambling problem.
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