Dear Editor,
This week, July 7-13, 2013, is being recognised as Responsible Gaming/Gambling Awareness Week; the first of its kind in Jamaica and perhaps the Caribbean. RISE Life Management Services, through the proactive sponsorship of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, operates the only Responsible Gaming Programme within the English-speaking Caribbean that provides prevention, treatment, research, and other intervention services with regard to gambling-related issues.
In other jurisdictions with advanced gaming industries, one cannot acquire a casino or gaming lounge licence without demonstrating that you have a Responsible Gaming Policy or code of conduct which includes staff training, contribution to research, support services for patrons with gambling problems, including an exclusion programme and other provisions for the protection of patrons and staff alike. These programmes are written into the legislation of these advanced gaming jurisdictions and as such are legally mandated, but this is not so in Jamaica.
During this landmark week, RISE intends to entreat many other gaming lounges to come on board and develop a responsible gaming code of conduct. To date only Treasure Hunt Gaming and Supreme Ventures Limited have implemented responsible gaming practices within their facilities. For that reason, both organisations will be honoured during this week of heightened awareness about the importance of responsible gaming.
In an era where gaming and gambling opportunities have increased tenfold, Jamaica must get to the place where we understand that responsible gaming exists and operates best when government, private sector, communities, and individuals collectively organise and practise the principles that govern responsible gambling which is grounded in science and driven by collaboration.
Richard Henry
RISE Life Management Services
57 East Street
Kingston
Responsible gambling is the mission
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This week, July 7-13, 2013, is being recognised as Responsible Gaming/Gambling Awareness Week; the first of its kind in Jamaica and perhaps the Caribbean. RISE Life Management Services, through the proactive sponsorship of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, operates the only Responsible Gaming Programme within the English-speaking Caribbean that provides prevention, treatment, research, and other intervention services with regard to gambling-related issues.
In other jurisdictions with advanced gaming industries, one cannot acquire a casino or gaming lounge licence without demonstrating that you have a Responsible Gaming Policy or code of conduct which includes staff training, contribution to research, support services for patrons with gambling problems, including an exclusion programme and other provisions for the protection of patrons and staff alike. These programmes are written into the legislation of these advanced gaming jurisdictions and as such are legally mandated, but this is not so in Jamaica.
During this landmark week, RISE intends to entreat many other gaming lounges to come on board and develop a responsible gaming code of conduct. To date only Treasure Hunt Gaming and Supreme Ventures Limited have implemented responsible gaming practices within their facilities. For that reason, both organisations will be honoured during this week of heightened awareness about the importance of responsible gaming.
In an era where gaming and gambling opportunities have increased tenfold, Jamaica must get to the place where we understand that responsible gaming exists and operates best when government, private sector, communities, and individuals collectively organise and practise the principles that govern responsible gambling which is grounded in science and driven by collaboration.
Richard Henry
RISE Life Management Services
57 East Street
Kingston
Responsible gambling is the mission
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