RESPONSIBLE Gaming Awareness Week is being observed from June 14 – 20, 2015 and is one of the mediums through which RISE Life Management Services aims to create a greater level of awareness about responsible gaming/gambling, where to get help, and the consequences of underage gambling.

RISE Life Management Services operates the only gambling disorders prevention, treatment and research programme in the English-speaking Caribbean. The programme is sponsored by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) and has been in existence for the past nine years. The programme focuses on the prevention, treatment and research of gambling disorders and related problems as well as the promotion of responsible gaming/gambling among Jamaicans.

As you may have observed, the gaming industry has grown exponentially over the past 12 years, and Jamaicans now live in an environment that promotes gaming and gambling activities as has never been experienced before. As we now have more games to engage in with more frequency to play and more mediums through which to bet, it is critically important that we match this growth in the industry with the requisite support services to ensure that Jamaicans are imbued with the skills and knowledge to negotiate the new landscape and make good decisions especially as it relates to gaming/gambling.

This week of responsible gaming awareness activities dovetails well with the second edition of the Gaming Industry Summit hosted by the BGLC set for tomorrow, June 18, 2015, at the Jamaica Conference Centre. At the summit, RISE will be presenting awards for Champions of Responsible Gaming to both Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) and Treasure Hunt Gaming for their commitment to responsible gaming principles. SVL’s commitment is observable through not only support of RISE’s programme efforts, but sponsorship of our travel and attendance at the Annual National Conference on Responsible Gaming 2015 held in Las Vegas, USA, as well as also sponsorship of our Youth Gambling Prevention All-Island Poster Competition 2015. Additionally, SVL’s delivery of a responsible gaming message through some of their electronic and print adverts is exemplary. For Treasure Hunt Gaming they have consistently offered responsible gaming flyers and brochures at their facility that initiates responsible gaming messages with customers. They have also distinguished themselves as being the first gaming lounge to have all members of staff trained in compliance with the new responsible gaming code of conduct introduced by the BGLC as well as bringing their facility up to par with the code through signage, etc, as required.

All in all, we are ensuring that our responsible gaming programme keeps pace with the expansion of our gaming industry. At no point can we afford to fall behind as this would be to the detriment of our society and the gains that we have made through the BGLC’s proactive approach to the sector. The safeguards provided by such a programme are par for the course in all other jurisdictions, especially those with more advanced gaming industries. Responsible gaming is the safest bet that the industry can make.

Richard Henry is part of the addiction counselling and support services team at RISE Life Management Services. www.risejamaica.org motivation4change@gmail.com