Fancy a quick bet-break flutter?

CIGARETTE breaks are being replaced by “bet breaks” in the office, new research has revealed, as staff turn to online gambling to break up the working day.

Research by gaming site RoxyPalace.com revealed that one in 20 employees aged 45 and under has treated themselves to a flutter while at work over the past 12 months.

More than three-quarters of those who admitted to gambling at work did so on mobile devices – such as smartphones and iPads – rather than through company personal computers and laptops.

The poll also revealed that men were nearly nine times as likely as women to gamble while at work – 89 per cent compared to 11 per cent.

Peak gaming time was found to be between 1pm to 3pm – as gamblers sneaked in a quick flutter at lunchtime.

A spokesman for RoxyPalace.com said that a rise in the popularity and availability of online gambling meant it was not surprising that many workers were turning to bet breaks as a way of breaking up the tedium of their working day.

He said: “We all like to break up our day in different waysm whether it be making a quick cup of coffee, stepping outside for a cigarette or going for a walk. However, it seems an increasing number of workers are now turning to online gambling as a way to inject some excitement into their day.

“It’s easier than it’s ever been to place bets or play games online and with so many people now owning smartphones they don’t need to use work computers, which often ban external websites.”

He added: “We don’t advocate people betting online during their working day if it reduces their productivity, of course, but if they enjoy a flutter during break times it’s more difficult for employers to object.”