NLCB tackling gambling addiction, illegal gambling.

THE National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) is dealing with the challenges of gambling addiction and illegal gambling. NLCB officials updated members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on these and other matters during a virtual meeting on Wednesday.

In response to a question from Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne, NLCB director Camille Forde said, "I can assure you that the NLCB is concerned about gambling addiction." She added the NLCB is seeking to develop "a responsible gaming programme." Forde promised to provide details of the programme to the PAC.

Browne asked if a non-governmental organisation (NGO) was being developed as part of that initiative or if one already existed and was partnering with the NLCB on gambling addiction. Forde replied, " We are partnering to begin with, with an NGO."

PAC chairman Dave Tancoo asked how this NGO was selected. Forde said, "NLCB has worked with them in the past, so we are starting with this one. However, it does not debar us from working with any other NGO."

On illegal gambling, Forde was unable to provide a figure on the loss of revenue from the NLCB but said this would be provided subsequently to the PAC. Tancoo ,"We would then agree though, that it is a significant sum." Forde replied, "We have lost a lot of market share." Tancoo asked if NLCB was considering hiring its own security to treat with illegal gambling. Forde said this and other issues will be discussed by the NLCB to determine "the best way forward". He suggested the NLCB, police, Finance Ministry and other stakeholders be involved in this effort.

Given the economic challenges posed by the covid19 pandemic, Tancoo said the development of an effective strategy to deal with illegal gambling should be a priority. He suggested the creation of an agency to fight illegal gambling "because this is not a today event, this has been happening for a long time." Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon opined that ten percent of the NLCB's revenue could be lost to illegal gambling.

NLCB chairman Eustace Nancis said the company has signed an extension of a contract with its tech provider IGT and that contract comes into effect on Thursday. In response to a question, Nancis confirmed the new contract will result in savings to the NLCB of $100 million over the next three years.

On reports of lotto agents who have not paid win taxes to the NLCB, company finance lead consultant Wendy Dwarika said, "Most agents have paid on the win tax, I just have a few agents who are still outstanding."

She explained there is a process to be followed before legal action is taken against people who have not paid win taxes. In response to a question from Opposition Senator Jearlean John, Dwarika indicated that a penalty for non-payment of win taxes is "the suppression of (gaming) terminals." She explained this meant the offenders would be unable to use their gaming terminals until those payments are made.