The Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission recently announced five citizens who will lead the government’s Problem Gaming Council. The commission’s executive director, Richard Schuetz, said, “We are proud with the abundance of talent, skill and experience that each of these council members brings to the table. They will ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to problem gambling and minimizing as much risk as possible to the people of Bermuda.”
Judith Hall Bean, former deputy head of the civil service, has been named chairman of the council. Schuetz stated Hall Bean will offer the council a “wealth of public service management experience.” Family therapist and counselor Ernest Peets Jr., Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute Executive Director Sharon Apopa, long-term civil servant Kevin Monkman and retired lawyer Kathleen Keane also were named to the panel. Keane will serve as secretary.
The council will assure that casino operators and employees are fully trained about problem gaming; that treatment providers have the resources they need; and that the public is aware of the risks of problem gaming and where help is available. Other duties will include overseeing the accreditation process for treatment providers, managing a gambling hotline and a self-exclusion list and community outreach.
The commission is seeking a Director of Problem and Responsible Gaming who will serve as the liaison between the commission and the council.
Schuetz noted, “One of our primary goals, since the inception of the commission in 2015, has been to ensure that a Problem Gaming Council was established well before the opening of any casino on the island. We are pleased to have finally reached this stage in our progress, as it signals we are ready to move full steam ahead with gaming, and are doing our part to create a strong and successful gaming industry in Bermuda.”
