(3-22-2007) March Madness At Work PUBLIC AWARENESS > NCPG Press Releases For further information: Keith Whyte, 202.547.9204 March Madness At Work Washington, D.C. The NCAA Basketball Tournament, known around the world as “March Madness” is a time of widespread wagering—including at the office. While Challenger, Gray & Christmas estimates lost productivity during the 19-day tournament will top $1 billion dollars, a more serious concern are the everyday costs of an employee’s gambling problem. Using estimates from the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, the total yearly cost to employers from pathological gamblers alone is $464 million. This figure does not include fraud, theft and embezzlement by problem gamblers desperate to fuel their addiction. Employers are therefore urged to treat gambling as a risky workplace activity, and to provide resources for employees who may have a gambling problem. Most companies do not have formal policies on gambling, and most Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and insurance companies do not cover gambling addiction. But problem gambling is a preventable and treatable disorder. If gambling is causing a problem for you or your loved ones, hope and help is one confidential call away: 800.522.4700 Each March NCPG sponsors National Problem Gambling Awareness Week www.npgaw.org and provides over 50 free posters, brochures, screening tools and fact sheets on problem gambling issues. About NCPG: The National Council on Problem Gambling is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. NCPG maintains a neutral stance on gambling. NCPG was founded in 1972 and is a 501(c)(3) organization with chapters in 34 states.