Government

Casino Control Commission and DOH Join Forces to Combat Gambling Addiction in the Virgin Islands

The V.I. Casino Control Commission (VICCC) and the V.I. Department of Health have partnered to address problem gambling in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a release issued Friday. A Memorandum of Understanding, finalized on October 24, 2024, establishes a joint initiative to train and certify counselors in the territory’s two districts, St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix, for treating gambling addiction. The VICCC has allocated funds to train six counselors, three in each district, through The Center for Addiction Studies and Research, according to the release. The training focuses on identifying risk factors for gambling addiction, implementing suicide prevention strategies, and delivering effective treatment options. Additionally, the initiative includes funding for the counselors to receive supervision by a board-approved clinical consultant, culminating in an internationally recognized certification by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board. Marvin L. Pic...