The head of Jersey’s Gambling Regulatory Authority said he was disappointed that a specialist treatment centre for gambling addiction had not been created.
Cyril Whelan, chairman of the Jersey Gambling Commission, told about plans to create the centre had hit snags with “disappointing regularity”.
Last year, the commission was close to signing a contract with an overseas treatment specialist, who ended the partnership to focus on other work.
Cyril Whelan, chairman of the Jersey Gambling Commission described it as a “brutal blow” but expressed his determination to collaborate with the Jersey Government to provide the service. He stated in the commission’s annual report:
Our commitment remains steadfast, and while this would offer a sustainable solution, our work with the Government continues. For many years, I have advocated for the Government to deliver such a service, as addiction is a global public health issue. I am pleased to note that despite changes in administration, the Government’s commitment, particularly to adult mental health services, remains strong. Therefore, the commission’s priority now is to work closely with government colleagues and support them in establishing this service.
