The Tribune

A Bahamian compliance professional is joining the speaker line-up for the 33rd National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling.

Cheryl Bazard, pictured, principal of Bazard and Company, will address the premier educational and networking event for problem gambling and responsible gambling professionals in the US.

The event, which is being held under the title Educate. Innovate. Engage, is expected to attract some 600 gaming prevention, education, treatment, research and regulation specialists, as well as members of the recovery community, when it is held from July 19-20.

Mrs Bazard will present during the Gaming and Responsible Gambling in The Caribbean session. She will be joined by Kleo Papas of GovRisk London; Gino Campbell, chief executive of Curacao’s Stichting Gaming Control Board; and Alan Pedley of Governance Associates in Australia.

Mrs Bazard will give a general overview of casino and web shop gaming in The Bahamas, and also speak on the 2014 legislative changes that brought the domestic sector into a regulated environment.

“Given the possibility of addiction in gambling, I will also speak to the provisions outlined in the legislation as well as the efforts made by private and governmental entities to ensure that the necessary assistance and expertise is available to those plagued with addictions,” said Mrs Bazard, whose law firm specialises in compliance and anti-money laundering issues.

The conference will also discuss topics including responsible gambling regulation; military and gambling; prevention; treatment and recovery; and community.

“I’m intrigued by the spirit of the conference. I’m hoping to hear new information from recognised experts as well as up and comers. Learning from the experiences of others might ultimately prove useful to The Bahamas as we navigate our fast-growing, dynamic, gaming landscape,” said Mrs Bazard.

“It is a pleasure to have been asked to provide genuine insight about the gaming environment in The Bahamas to such a diverse and distinguished gathering. It speaks to the high level of interest in the jurisdiction. I am excited to share.”

Mrs Bazard is thought to be the first Bahamian to complete the specialist certificate in money laundering risks in betting and gaming course from the London-based International Compliance Association (ICA).

She is the founder and president of the Bahama Association of Compliance Officers (BACO), which since 1999 has helped safeguard the financial services sector’s reputation by enhancing members’ knowledge and skills in regulatory compliance, risk assessment and financial crime prevention.