Jersey’s gambling commission chief criticises delays in treatment centre opening

Jersey’s gambling regulation chief expressed disappointment over the continued delay in establishing a specialist gambling addiction treatment centre. Cyril Whelan (pictured above), chairman of the Jersey Gambling Commission (JGC), stated that efforts to create the centre have consistently encountered obstacles.

In the JGC’s annual report, Whelan revealed that the commission was on the brink of signing a contract with an overseas treatment specialist last year. Unfortunately, the specialist withdrew from the partnership to focus on other projects, which the JGC chairman described as a “cruel blow.” Despite this setback, he remains determined to collaborate with the Government of Jersey to provide a much-needed service.

“Our resolve remains undaunted, and while this would have provided a solid solution, work with government continues,” Whelan stated. “I have said for many years that such a service should be provided by government as addictions across the piece are public health issues. I am pleased to say that, notwithstanding changes in administration, the commitment of government and the adult mental health service in particular remains solid. To that end, the priority of the commission must now be to work with and support colleagues in government to establish such a service.”

New Jersey’s gambling regulation

The JGC, established in 2010, is the gambling regulator for the Bailiwick of Jersey. Independent of the government, it is funded through licence fees. The Island’s Parliament passed a new Gambling Law in 2012, which came into effect on 1 January 2013. Over the past year, the commission has been migrating its licensees into the new regulatory framework.

The JGC plans to examine the business case for licensing commercial card clubs and bingo in 2014 while finalising the migration from the pre-2013 regime. The Gambling (Jersey) Law 2012 structure enables the commission to develop licensing frameworks for any kind of commercial gambling, allowing it to react swiftly to changing business and technological developments. The JGC works closely with the Government of Jersey, particularly with the Locate Jersey team from the Economic Development Department.

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