The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission (VICCC) and the V.I. Department of Health (VIDOH) have taken a significant step in addressing problem gambling across the territory. Through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both entities aim to tackle gambling addiction by combining resources and expertise to create impactful solutions. This collaboration represents a bold initiative to protect individuals and families affected by gambling-related challenges in the Virgin Islands.

V.I. Casino Control Commission and Department of Health Join Forces to Combat Problem Gambling

A Strategic Collaboration

The MOU, signed at the VICCC office in Orange Grove, St. Croix, lays the groundwork for a comprehensive approach to combat gambling addiction. The agreement formalizes the roles of both the VICCC and VIDOH, ensuring that the programs and services developed under this initiative are well-funded, effective, and accessible to residents.

A Commitment to Targeted Support

Under this agreement, the VICCC will sponsor the training and certification of seven counselors—three on St. Croix, three on St. Thomas, and one on St. John. These professionals will be equipped to offer specialized counseling services to individuals dealing with gambling addiction, providing much-needed support across the territory.

Comprehensive Training Programs

The initiative includes rigorous training for counselors, focusing on essential skills such as risk factor assessment, suicide prevention, and treatment strategies for gambling-related disorders. These professionals will be supervised by board-approved clinical consultants to ensure they meet the highest standards of care.

International Certification

The counselors will achieve certification through the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board, ensuring that their qualifications are recognized globally. This certification underscores the commitment of the VICCC and VIDOH to maintaining high-quality care and aligning with international best practices.

Revenue Allocation from Casino Tax

The program is funded through a 12% tax on gross earnings from casino licensees, as mandated by Title 32 V.I. Code Section 517. This allocation ensures that revenue generated from casinos is reinvested into mitigating the negative impacts of gambling, creating a sustainable cycle of prevention and treatment.

Strategic Investment in Community Well-being

This funding model not only addresses the immediate needs of those struggling with gambling addiction but also reflects a long-term commitment to community health. By investing in trained professionals and prevention programs, the initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of gambling-related issues over time.

A Close-Knit Community at the Heart of the Initiative

The Virgin Islands is a close-knit community where the effects of gambling addiction are often felt deeply within families and social networks. VIDOH Commissioner Justa Encarnacion emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating:
“In a close-knit community like ours, many of us know someone who has struggled with problem gambling or with gambling addiction or has seen its effect with family and friends. That’s why we are proud to enter this memorandum of understanding.”

A Transformative Path Forward

VICCC Chair and CEO Marvin L. Pickering described the MOU as the start of a “transformative journey.” The initiative not only addresses the current challenges of gambling addiction but also sets the stage for long-term improvements in public health and community resilience.

Leading by Example

The Virgin Islands’ proactive approach to gambling regulation serves as a model for other jurisdictions grappling with similar challenges. By aligning resources, expertise, and funding, the VICCC and VIDOH have demonstrated how collaboration can lead to meaningful outcomes in addressing complex public health issues.

Balancing Revenue and Responsibility

Casino revenue plays a significant role in the Virgin Islands’ economy, but this initiative highlights the importance of balancing economic benefits with social responsibility. By reinvesting casino taxes into addiction prevention and treatment, the territory ensures that its gaming industry operates ethically and sustainably.

Timeline for Action

The program will take effect 30 days after the signing of the MOU. During this period, the VICCC and VIDOH will finalize the logistics of counselor training, certification, and service delivery to ensure a seamless rollout.

Measuring Success

As the initiative progresses, the success of the program will likely be measured through community feedback, reductions in gambling-related issues, and the effectiveness of counseling services. These metrics will provide valuable insights for refining and expanding the program in the future.

Conclusion: The Partnership

The partnership between the VICCC and VIDOH marks a pivotal moment in the Virgin Islands’ efforts to combat problem gambling. By investing in trained professionals, leveraging casino revenue for community benefit, and fostering collaboration, this initiative addresses the root causes of gambling addiction while providing critical support to those affected.

FAQs About VICCC and VIDOH Partnership

1. What is the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VICCC and VIDOH?

The MOU aims to address problem gambling in the Virgin Islands by providing resources, training, and counseling services to individuals struggling with gambling addiction. It is a collaborative effort to improve public health and mitigate the negative impacts of gambling.

2. Who will provide counseling services under this program?

The program will certify seven counselors—three on St. Croix, three on St. Thomas, and one on St. John—who will offer specialized gambling addiction counseling services.

3. What type of training will the counselors receive?

Counselors will undergo rigorous training focused on risk factor assessment, suicide prevention, and treatment strategies for gambling disorders. They will also work under the supervision of board-approved clinical consultants to achieve international certification.

4. How will the program be funded?

The program is funded through a 12% tax on gross earnings from casino licensees, as mandated by Title 32 V.I. Code Section 517. This tax revenue is allocated specifically for programs addressing gambling addiction.

5. What certification will the counselors achieve?

The counselors will receive international certification recognized by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB), ensuring they meet global standards for treating gambling addiction.

6. When will the program take effect?

The program will officially begin 30 days after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

7. Why is this initiative important for the Virgin Islands?

In a close-knit community like the Virgin Islands, gambling addiction can deeply impact families and social networks. The program aims to provide targeted support, reduce the prevalence of addiction, and improve overall community well-being.

8. Who are the key leaders behind this initiative?

The program is spearheaded by Marvin L. Pickering, Chair and CEO of the VICCC, and Justa Encarnacion, Commissioner of the VIDOH, both of whom have emphasized the program’s transformative impact on the community.

9. What are the long-term goals of this initiative?

The initiative aims to reduce gambling addiction rates, provide high-quality support services, and foster a culture of responsible gaming in the Virgin Islands. It also sets a precedent for balancing economic benefits with social well-being.

10. What is the significance of the 12% casino tax allocation?

This tax allocation ensures that funds generated from casinos are reinvested into the community to combat gambling-related challenges, making the gaming industry more sustainable and socially responsible.