The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission announced on Wednesday that the first-ever Responsible Gambling Awareness Week will be held throughout the jurisdiction on December 7-12. The Commission is working together with ABC Behavioral Consulting Services and the National Council on Problem Gambling on the initiative.
A number of related events are slated to take place throughout the territory in a bid to encourage responsible gambling among casino customers. Commissioners have repeatedly pointed out that they consider it their mission to help people with problem gambling behavior through a number of initiatives, including educational training, outreach programs, studies on the matter, etc.
Commenting on the upcoming Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, Violet Anne Golden, Chairwoman of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, said that their main goal is to encourage “socially responsible gambling” and its promotion. Ms. Golden also noted that commissioners are determined to convince both the community and local casino operators that “social gambling is responsible gambling.”
The Virgin Islands gambling commission is set to hold a number of public events with experts who are to conduct training, outreach, and educational courses with the intention to help casino customers control their gambling urges at a time when the industry is offering numerous alluring gaming options.
Ms. Golden pointed out that the community is constantly exposed to gambling as technology is advancing and online gambling has gradually turned into a separate marketplace offering people various opportunities to gamble. The commission’s Chairwoman added that it is the regulator’s obligation to make sure that residents of the Virgin Islands receive the necessary assistance to minimize the risks of eventually turning into problem gambling customers.
Officials at the Virgin Islands gambling regulator have previously pointed out that they are no match to the expensive marketing campaigns gambling operators carry out. Yet, they believe that it is of the utmost importance for them to constantly encourage people to gamble responsibly and to live well-balanced lives.
The Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is set to commence on Monday, December 7. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, certified specialists are to train casino workers and managers on how to handle problem clients. On Thursday, commissioners, gambling experts, and certified specialists will have the chance to interact with residents of the Virgin Islands.
Last but not least, there will be a family-oriented event on December 12. Attendees will not only be able to take part in a number of entertainment initiatives, but will also be provided with more information about responsible gambling. They will also have the chance to talk to gambling experts and discuss gambling-related matters with them.
