Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gaming

 

Problem gambling is an underestimated public (mental) health issue. At average, for every problem gambler about 5 to 10 other people – f.i. partner, children, siblings, uncle, cousin, friends and even work colleagues – are impacted by the addiction. For example, a problem gambler will sometimes try to borrow money from their family and friends with a promise to repay, and of course the money is never returned, leaving the lender in the lurch. Or they may lie to their partner and conceal their addiction, secretly  gambling away their marital assets. Problem gambling breaks down and even destroys relationships.

Addressing the problem of gambling addiction requires a team effort of specialists in different and diverse fields, amongst others Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon (FMA), Government, Parliament, the gaming sectors, the media, relevant non-governmental organizations (e.g. Fundashon pa Konsumidó), educational institutions (universities, school boards), mental health professionals and counselors.

Since July 30, 2012, the GCB and FMA have joined forces through a Cooperation Protocol, in the implementation of the Self-Exclusion Program (as referred to in the Responsible Gaming Guidelines for casinos), the combating and prevention of gambling addiction, the development of awareness programs for the general public and training programs for the GCB and casino personnel, treatment and counseling of self-excluded persons by FMA to avoid relapse, and the cultivation of interest from local universities to research (the origin and prevention of) gambling addiction.


There are three phases of pathological gambling:

1. The winning phase: Gambling is just entertainment for the gambler. However, winning is not seen as a coincidence, but as an achievement. Losing is just bad luck that can be remedied.
2. The losing phase: The gambler’s behavior is geared towards recovery of losses. Work and family are increasingly being neglected and in many cases debt is being incurred. Entertainment is not the primary driver to gamble.
3. The desperation phase: The gambler is completely absorbed by gambling and socially isolated and can even show criminal behavior.

Short term risk
The only real short term risk is that a gambler can lose large amounts of money in a short time. Because the gambler may lose him or herself in the game he or she can wager more money than initially planned.

Long term risks
• Money problems
• Physical problems
• Study and work problems
• Social problems

If you want help in avoiding temptation, please consider registering for (temporary) self-exclusion from Curaçao casinos.

More information on gambling addiction, or if you want counseling, please contact the Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon (FMA). Gambling addiction self tests are available at the FMA.

Self-exclusion is a facility for those who wish to stop gambling in casinos for a specified period (at least 18 months) or permanently and wish to be supported in their decision to stop. If you think you are spending too much time or money gambling, you can ask to be ‘self-excluded’.

It is up to you to stick to your self-exclusion agreement, but if you try to gamble in a casino during that time, the Curaçao casinos should take reasonable steps to prevent you from doing so.

To apply for self-exclusion, please visit Gaming Control Board or Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon. Our counselors will be ready to assist you in this process.

Gaming Control Board (GCB)
Address:           Emancipatie Boulevard Dominico F. “Don” Martina 23
Telephone:      +599 9 737-2299
Email:                [email protected]
Office hours:   8.00 am - 12.00 pm and 13.00 pm - 17.00 pm

Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon (FMA)
Address:          Oosterbeekstraat 11, Shèr Asil
Telephone:     +599 9 461-5977
Email:                [email protected]
Website:           www.fma-curacao.com
Office hours:   8.00 am - 12.00 pm and 13.00 pm - 17.00 pm

 


Responsible Gaming Guidelines are applicable for the landbased casinosector since August 15, 2012. The guidelines offer the possibility of (temporary) self-exclusion from Curaçao casinos and define the responsibilities of the casino operators with regard to a.o. relevant procedures, the availability of Self-exclusion Application Forms and general information on responsible gaming and help, advertising and marketing, and training of casino personnel.

Download the Responsible Gaming Guidelines here.


Various studies regarding gambing addiction on Curaçao indicate that gambling addiction amongst the Curaçao population has taken on serious proportions.

• Report “Bula ku ala di manteka” (1995).
• Report “Gokproblematiek op Curaçao” (2003).


GCB and “Boskwiri” working together to promote responsible gaming

The popular Curaçao playwrite, actor and director, Percy “Boskwiri” Benita and the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) closed ranks to create awareness for the gambling addiction challenges that Curaçao faces. The GCB sponsored 3 performances for middle and high school students of Boskwiri’s play B’a Hink’é, Sak’é Awó, a tragicomedy that depicts the ripple effect of the harm gambling addiction causes to a family and a community. After each performance, a short info session was provided by the GCB and the Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon (FMA) on the available avenues for assistance when confronted with gambling addiction.

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2018 Responsible gaming conference, Responsible Gaming: A Team Effort!

On November 30, 2018, the Gaming Control Board (GCB) organized the Responsible Gaming conference on Curaçao titled, Responsible Gaming: A Team Effort!. The title reflects the reality that successful countering of gambling addiction and promotion of responsible gaming requires the effort of multiple stakeholders.

In addition to the fantastic preparatory work by GCB’s Mrs. Ayeska Coster, the success of this event can be attributed to the enthusiastic participation of the local gaming industry, members of Parliament, government representatives and the terrific presentations by Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon (FMA) and Mr. Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG).

At the end of the day, there was consensus that the gambling addiction reports for Curaçao are in desperate need of updating. Furthermore, the gambling addiction problem in Curaçao is not to be underestimated and needs to be on the radar of lawmakers as well as the executive branch of government. Funds need to be made available to finance professional avenues of treatment and guidance.

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