The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Gaming Operators Association CEO Gershan Major said web shops represent probably the third or fourth most significant sector of employers in the Bahamas, and have contributed more than $255m since 2014 to the Bahamian economy.

While speaking at a recent Gambling Addiction Symposium in Freeport, he reported that the industry employs some 3,000 plus Bahamians as professionals across various disciplines from entry level to accountants, as well as legal, marketing, and IT professionals, and even graphic artists.

“They are the engines of this industry; they are persons who drive and innovate this industry on a daily basis,” he said, adding that there are 256 plus locations across 17 islands, reduced from the 653 that previously existed before the industry was regulated in 2014.

“So, when you think about the gaming industry, I want you to think about the 3,000 plus Bahamians employed by the industry, some of whom are single mothers and some of whom are the only breadwinners in their family.”

He believes that persons working in the web shop sector are no different from a Bahamian who is professionally qualified to deal as a croupier in a land-based casino owned by foreigners.

“It is no different from a teller in a bank or an accountant in financial services institution; the same level of respect and qualifications that are afforded to those professionals are no different from those who work in this industry,” Mr Major said.

Mr Major said BGOA exists to promote and educate the public on responsible gaming, and has now partnered with stakeholders to assist them in taking their message nationally.

“If we fail to educate and give awareness on what is the right way to do a certain thing, then it is subject to abuse,” he stressed.

“Our message is simply this, budgeting your gaming is no different from budgeting for your life,” he said. “We don’t expect, promote, or encourage, even though it may happen from time to time, persons taking priority spend, like the mortgage payment, and school fee, and coming into the gaming establishment to game.”

He explained that every responsible adult has the freedom and the right to determine what they do with their disposable or earned income, and ought to be aware of the ramifications when they abuse gaming or overspend.

Mr Major said that BGOA and its members are “responsible corporate citizens” who have contributed over $255m in taxes, corporate and social responsibility, and fees.

“We continue to do our part in the community through areas of wellness, education, culture, and sports; we one of the most prolific corporate minded citizens as a sector in this country,” he said.

The BGOA teamed up with Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre to help to provide upgrading for five of their professional clinicians to become certified specialists in gambling disorders.

Mr Major said that they would be expanding the certification process to Grand Bahama and throughout the Family Islands.

The symposium was held under the theme, “Responsible Gaming and Addiction Awareness.” Dr David Allen, a clinical psychiatrist and founder of the Renascence Clinic and The Family, delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony. Kimberley Miller, senior manager of group corporate affairs, Grand Bahama Port Authority Co, also spoke.