Problem Gambling Council

The Problem Gaming Council (the Council) is a Ministerial appointed body on the recommendation of the Minister of Health. The Council is comprised of the following persons:

Judith Hall-Bean

A retired Civil Servant with almost 50 years in the service of the Bermuda Government, Ms. Hall-Bean rose to the rank of Deputy Head of the Civil Service. In this position she had oversight of all government departments and her many responsibilities included recruitment, selection, disciplinary matters, retirement and training. Ms. Hall-Bean also serves on the Juvenile Panel and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and is active in many other Bermuda charities and organisations. Her wealth of Public Service management experience is invaluable in her role as Chair the Problem Gaming Council.

Dr. Sharon A. Apopa

As an executive with over 30 years success as a catalyst for positive change in individuals, families and organizations, Dr. Sharon A. Apopa brings a wealth of experience in mental health to the Problem Gaming Council. Her work in Mental Health Services for children and adolescents along with her role as Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute prove her ability in the field of mental health. Dr. Apopa’s particular interest in the wellbeing of women will be of great importance in her role on the Problem Gaming Council.

Kevin Monkman

After 30 years in the civil service where he served in the Ministries of Health, Health and Family Services, Social Rehabilitation, the Environment, Sports and Education Mr. Monkman has gained experience that will be extremely valuable in his role as a member of the Problem Gaming Council. He is currently working as a consultant to the Ministry of Health and Seniors with particular focus on developing cost effective and sustainable long-term care, services and supports.

Leslie Grant ICADC, ICCS

Mr. Grant began his substance abuse treatment experience working at The Right Living House in prison residential treatment program at the prison farm becoming senior counselor and then at the Turning Point Substance Abuse Program as an Addiction Counselor for six years, as well as a consultant counselor for Pathways Bermuda where he successfully implemented an Impaired Driving program.  Mr. Grant is an (ICADC) Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug counselor as well as an (ICCS) Internationally Certified Clinical Supervisor. In 2018, he was honored by being voted counselor of the year by the (BACB) Bermuda Addiction Certification Board. Mr. Grant also sits on the Board of Addiction Counsellors.

Calvin Smith

Mr. Smith has 37 years of law enforcement experience due to his time with the Bermuda Police Service. He retired at the rank of Chief Inspector and post-retirement he served as Staff Officer to the Commissioner of Police until May 2021.

Director of Problem and Responsible Gaming (Commission employee) – Ex-Officio member

The Council exists to ensure that operators implement best-practice responsible gambling programmes that provide protection for all patrons. To achieve this the Council is committed to educating, equipping, and empowering all stakeholders to make responsible gambling choices.

The Problem and Responsible Gaming Council (the Council) is committed to ensuring that all gaming in Bermuda occurs within a socially responsible environment. The Council has begun the implementation of an integrated, evidence-based responsible gaming (RG) strategy with clearly defined standards indicators that factor in the various gaming sectors and unique culture factors of Bermuda. The Council has engaged the services of the Responsible Gaming Council of Ontario, Canada (RGC) to support this work. The RCG is a globally recognized leader in RG progammes. The research-driven strategy will be based on collaboration with gaming operators, the public health sector and broader community to implement health messages that target various demographic groups and implement harm-reduction tools and support services for stakeholders.

A key component of this strategy will see the introduction of a comprehensive responsible gambling accreditation programme. This programme will have venue standards and criteria, that when implemented are designed to positively impact the bottom-line of operators.

The Council is also in the process of launching an anonymous national problem gambling helpline that will be available to individuals needing support for problem gambling issues. The helpline will be accessible everyday for twenty-four hours a day and will be staffed by certified gambling counsellors. The helpline will serve as a triage centre and will refer callers to internationally certified local counselors in Bermuda.