JAMAICA | Battling the Silent Epidemic: Jamaica Intensifies Fight Against Youth Gambling

KINGSTON, Jamaica February 6, 2025 - In an era where smartphones and digital platforms make gambling more accessible than ever, Jamaica's betting industry watchdog is doubling down on its efforts to protect the nation's youth from the lures of early gambling addiction.

The Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), in partnership with RISE Life Management Services, has launched its second annual Underage Gambling Prevention Week, running February 2-8, marking a crucial step in their ongoing battle against this growing concern.

As the Caribbean's sole organization dedicated to tackling underage gambling, RISE Life Management Services, funded by BGLC, is spearheading a multi-pronged approach that combines education, intervention, and creative engagement.

The initiative comes at a critical time when experts worldwide are warning about the increasing vulnerability of youth to gambling activities.

The campaign's centerpiece is a series of targeted interventions across the island's educational institutions. Ascot and Cumberland High Schools will host sensitization sessions, while Kingston and St. Andrew Technical High Schools and Clarendon College will see specialized intervention programs.

Additionally, the initiative is extending its reach by distributing training materials to Teachers Colleges nationwide, ensuring a comprehensive approach to prevention.

Building on last year's success, when the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information's involvement led to enhanced participation and quality in their prevention programs, this year's campaign features the innovative Underage Gambling Prevention Jingle Competition.

Under the pointed theme 'Gambling, Gambling...Dat A Nuh Fi You!', the competition has become a powerful tool for spreading awareness through cultural expression.

The competition has proven particularly successful at Holy Family Primary, which has established itself as a powerhouse in the prevention campaign. The school's continued dominance - winning for the third consecutive year since the competition's 2022 inception - demonstrates how creative engagement can effectively deliver anti-gambling messages to young minds.

This year's winners, Torelle Campbell and Tatiana Turner, both from Holy Family Primary, claimed the top spots, while Andre Johnson and Jannoy Robinson from Effortville Primary secured third place.

However, the BGLC and RISE aren't stopping at student engagement. Recognizing the crucial role of educators in identifying and addressing gambling issues among youth, the partnership is expanding its reach through specialized workshops for guidance counselors.

These sessions will provide comprehensive training on treating gambling disorders, with a specific focus on adolescent cases, equipping school staff with the tools needed to identify and address gambling problems before they take root.

The comprehensive approach - combining creative competitions, direct intervention, peer education, and professional training - represents a significant investment in Jamaica's future.

As digital platforms continue to blur the lines between gaming and gambling, this initiative stands as a crucial firewall between vulnerable youth and the potentially devastating effects of early gambling exposure.

"This week of prevention activities is more than just a campaign," [Quote attribution needed from BGLC or RISE official]. "It's about safeguarding our children's future by giving them the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about gambling and their lives."

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