BGLC/RISE Programme for the Prevention, Treatment and Research of Gambling Disorders and Responsible Gambling
The Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission provides annual subvention to fund the national programme for gambling harm prevention and treatment and responsible gambling that is executed on behalf of the Commission by RISE Life Management Services. The Commission’s vision is for a Jamaican society in which gambling providers apply principles of responsible gambling in the delivery of their services and that problem gambling and the potential harms of gambling have minimal negative impact. This will be achieved via industry compliance with denied responsible gambling guidelines and consumer awareness and knowledge of responsible gambling.
BGLC and RISE have agreed on a strategic framework for
Responsible Gaming based on 3 pillars
Research
This is done in order to understand usage and attitudes to gambling among Jamaicans, and the prevalence and impact of problem gambling among various socio-economic groups.
Awareness
Via public education targeting providers, influencers, players and non- players. Key messages encompass themes of youth gambling prevention, problem gambling prevention & treatment, and player intervention programmes.
Compliance
By implementing & enforcing the Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct among Providers
Individual and Group Counselling
RISE provides both individual and group counselling for adults and adolescents that may have gambling disorders. Referrals may come from any source be it schools, family, organizations and friends. Counselling services are also available for family/friends of someone with a gambling disorder that needs to share or seek guidance.
Telephone Lifeline Counselling
RISE offers telephone counselling for gambling related problems 24/ hours per day seven days per week. Our trained Masters level Psychologist have the knowledge and skills to provide therapeutic support for persons with gambling problems and their family members or friends. That number is 888-991-4146
School Based Prevention Education and Training
Through an MOU with the Ministry of Education and Youth Guidance Counsellors and Peer Educators participate i n training with RISE professionals to equip them with gambling prevention information and techniques. Peer educators are given the skills to intervene with their peers with regard to gambling related issues, as well as the knowledge to promote the prevention of gambling activity in schools.
However, our most prominent activity within the school setting is the underage gambling prevention sensitization session where school-based youth across the island are engaged in the classroom for a period lasting no longer than 45 mins. The session is aimed at highlighting the consequences of underage gambling as well as creating a greater level of awareness about gambling related issues while presenting solutions and alternatives for students. At this level we provide Universal, Selective and Indicated Prevention Programmes. Other supporting activities include the Underage Gambling Prevention Jingle Competition which is open to all school-based youth island wide and our Parent Teachers Association Sensitization Sessions that allow us to initiate sessions with parents and guardians addressing gambling related issues and solutions.
Community Based Activities
Our approach to addressing issues of gambling disorders and responsible gambling is multifaceted. The community represents one of the key factors of socialization of both adults and adolescents and is where many behaviours and beliefs are developed. Our programme ensures that the conversation about healthy gambling practices as well as underage gambling prevention is prominent not only in communities where there is no gambling but also those that thrive on the activity. Sensitization sessions are initiated with both adults and youth groups as well as at health fairs and other community based activities.
Training for Gaming Lounge Staff
All gaming lounges must ensure team members are trained in Responsible Gambling as a condition of license and in fulfillment of the Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct on an annual basis. Sessions enable gaming lounge staff to understand gambling disorders and responsible gambling principles as well as signs of problem gambling and measures that can be taken to assist problem gamblers within the gaming lounge environment. The training session also ensures that gaming lounge staff are well aware of the various responsible gambling tools that are available to customers should they ask for help.
Voluntary Self Exclusion Programme Voluntary Self Exclusion (VSEP)
represents one of the most signicant tools used to assist persons with gambling related problems. The programme allows for patrons to voluntarily request a ban from all gaming lounges islandwide. The ban may range from 3 months to a lifetime based on the time frame selected by the individual. The request to receive a ban may be made at any gaming lounge and the process completed at RISE. VSEP does not represent treatment in and of itself but is an adjunct to the treatment process. It allows the patron a necessary time out to assess the gambling issue and reflect while seeking counselling and other support services.
All of our approaches whether Prevention or Treatment are evidence based and research supported. We recognize the importance of research in this area of work and as such we strive to ensure that our initiatives reect current trends and data.
