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The Channel Islands Lottery and its associated scratch cards are one of the few types of gambling activity in Jersey not currently overseen by the watchdog... Is it time for this to change?
After Express reported on how Jersey and Guernsey are reviewing whether it is appropriate for £10 scratch cards to continue to be sold by the Channel Islands Lottery amid concerns about the role they might play in problem gambling, the Jersey Gambling Commission had this to say...
Dear Editor,
I write in response to the article ‘FOCUS: Time to scrap £10 scratch cards?’.
Your article correctly notes that the (UK) Gambling Commission is the regulator of the UK National Lottery and goes on to cite Deputy Curtis asking if a Code of Practice for the sale of scratch cards had been issued.
The inference might therefore be made that the Jersey Gambling Commission (JGC) has not taken any action in this regard.
The JGC is not the regulator of the CI Lottery (CIL), as the CIL is deemed not to be a form of gambling in the legal sense, therefore exempting it from regulation. There is of course no doubt that instant scratch card games, like other lottery products, are forms of gambling in the normal sense and that they will contribute to the overall mix in terms of possible harms and misuse.
A very recent study by Sir Mark Boleat of Policy Centre Jersey has been insightful.
Sir Mark makes a number of recommendations that the Commission welcomes, particularly in respect of whether questions on gambling addiction should be included in the health survey and the need for a treatment service on-island.
He also questioned whether the Channel Islands Lottery should continue to be exempted from gambling legislation.
The Commission has been pleased to be involved in discussions regarding the CIL and efforts to reduce harm, both with the Department of Economic Development, Public Health and officials in Guernsey and it is committed to working with the Government of Jersey to deliver a service to assist those who are at risk or who recognise that their gambling has adversely impacted their lives.
Sincerely,
Advocate Cyril Whelan
Chair, Jersey Gambling Commission
What are your thoughts? Do you think the potential wellbeing impact of gambling needs more attention in Jersey? What extra support would you like to see for those with addiction? Have your views heard by emailing editor@bailiwickexpress.com.
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