Terms of reference for a new review into gambling in Guernsey are being developed and a funding application will be made to the Policy & Resources Committee shortly.
‘Working collaboratively across service areas, we will be initiating a project to determine the prevalence of gambling locally,’ said Dr Nicola Brink, director of public health.
‘We will be looking at the health impact of problem gambling and the review will also inform what services we need to tackle problem gambling locally.
Health & Social Care president Rhian Tooley said the review recognises that, while most people who gamble may do so safely most of the time, problem gambling can be harmful for some: ‘This includes binge gambling, excessive gambling, periods of loss of control and a more serious gambling addiction.
‘The resulting harm impacts not only on the gambler, but also on families, friends, communities and employers. It is important we understand what these headline numbers really mean so we can develop services to address identified areas of concern.’
The States’ Trading Supervisory Board is responsible for running the lottery and scratch card sales.
‘We want to create a positive experience for participants, providing the best return to the charity sector and other notable good causes, in line with the policies agreed by the States, but in a responsible manner. We welcome the health impact assessment into gambling and will collaborate with HSC where required,’ said Jon Taylor, senior lottery officer.
Home Affairs advises on lottery and gambling policies.
‘If the evidence points to the need to change the island’s gambling legislation, this is what we will look to do by making recommendations to the States,’ said Home Affairs president Mary Lowe.
Last year, Home Affairs received £15,000 from STSB for use toward problem gambling and the health impact assessment being carried out by John Moore University is funded through a CI Lottery donation.