The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
Deputy David Johnson
Chair,
Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel By email
21st March 2022
Dear Deputy Johnson ,
Jersey Gambling Commission
Thank you for your letter regarding the Jersey Gambling Commission (JGC) dated 3rd February. Please see below answers to the points raised by the Panel.
Q1: We understand that the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Deputy Morel , has met with the Chief Executive and has expressed sympathy and support for the JGC's desire to have greater legal powers (particularly in respect of public notices), but also to get more done to support those individuals who may suffer from problem gambling. In addition, we also understand that the Group Director of the Economy is liaising with the Department of Health and Social Services together with the Department of Education to try and move this latter agenda forward. Could provide us with the details involved in moving this forward and the timeline within which you hope to achieve it?
Consideration is being given to proposals provided by the JGC which reference the provision of greater legal powers. Regarding the issue of problem gambling, Deputy Morel and the Group Director of Economy met the Chair and CEO of the JGC along with the Head of Public Health and the Public Health Policy Officer on 15th February. This meeting was held in order to ensure a co- ordinated approach between the regulator, which has a statutory duty to minimise the harm of gambling, and the Government department with responsibility for public health provision. It was agreed that the JGC would forward a proposal to the Government in the near future.
Q2: We understand that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the JGC and the Government of Jersey (GoJ) is something that has yet to be concluded and the Chief Executive of the JGC has informed us that Deputy Morel stated that he was awaiting officers' advice. Could you provide an update as to the status of the MoU and what advice officers have offered? Could you also provide us with a timeline by which you hope to achieve it? It would also be appreciated if the Panel was allowed the opportunity for input before the MoU is finalised.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the JGC and the Government has yet to be concluded. Advice from the JGC suggests that the higher priority is progressing the proposed legislative amendments. The detail of the MoU was discussed last week in order to progress the draft. Once this dialogue has been completed, officers will make a final recommendation. It is anticipated that this will be provided in Q1 2022. The Minister would welcome input from the Panel.
Q3: Could you provide us with information regarding the work that has been undertaken to promote the gambling industry as a whole and the risks and benefits associated with it?
The Government is not responsible for promoting the gambling industry other than the CI Public Lottery, which is administered by the Government and generates significant charity funds for local good causes.
In December 2020, the States Assembly approved P.141/2020 which proposed a change to the way the CI Lottery proceeds are distributed: For the first time, 50% of the proceeds were awarded to projects within sports and active living, heritage, culture, arts and science sectors. The other 50% is allocated to local charities. The Government works in partnership with the Association of Jersey Charities and the Jersey Community Foundation to promote the benefits for the community of the projects supported by the proceeds of the CI Lottery.
The core aims of the Jersey Gambling Commission are: to protect consumers, the young and the vulnerable; to make assistance available to those who are or may be affected by problems related to excessive gambling; and to otherwise avoid and reduce problems related to gambling. Social Responsibility is funded by a mandatory levy on licensees. The JGC has a duty under the law to perform these functions and the risks and help resources are promoted on their website: Get Help & Self-Exclusion – The Jersey Gambling Commission (jgc.je)
In terms of future developments in this economic sector, consideration is being given to repeating the consultation conducted by the Government in November 2015. This will explore how Jersey can access a well-established industry and market itself in order to generate more benefit from this area of economic activity. This includes ensuring there is robust and effective regulation for the sector so that vulnerable people are adequately protected.
Yours sincerely
Deputy Kirsten Morel
Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture 19-21 Broad Street | St Helier | Jersey | JE2 3RR | E: K. Morel 2@gov.je