Scratch card sales soar, but still no help for addicts
SCRATCH card sales in Guernsey have increased more than sevenfold in four years and addiction is a growing problem, according to one worried shop owner.
But two years after the States promised help for addicts, nothing has been done.
Bridge Candy Shop co-owner Daphne Brouard voiced her concerns after the 2015 Channel Island Lottery report and accounts showed sales of scratch cards in Guernsey had jumped from less than £1m. to £7,726,400 in the last four years.
In 2014, the States agreed to look at ways to help and support those with gambling problems, but the report from the States' Trading Supervisory Board gave no update.
Last month Deputy Mary Lowe, president of Home Affairs, which was charged with setting up the scheme by the previous States, said nothing had been done as the current committee disagreed with the method of paying for it – through fees from fixed odds betting terminals and gaming machines.
Mrs Brouard said sales of lottery tickets in the shop she owns with husband Steve had 'gone through the roof' and were still increasing.
